Kaylee Mackenzie and sister at King Ludwig’s enjoying their Apex Escape
The remarkable Apex Escape program has helped more than 120 patients with their carers and sometimes their children to take a break from their around-the-clock responsibilities.
Apex Escape was established 15 years ago by John Kenney and Tim Bagshaw following the death of John’s wife, Claire, who lost her life following a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Just before Claire’s bone marrow transplant, the Leukaemia Foundation organised a two day getaway at a top hotel in Brisbane for John and Claire. This would be the last time that the young couple would have time alone together.
Following Claire’s death, John spoke of how significant this time was for them both, and wanted to establish a program that would allow others who were going through extreme emotional and physical pain to have an opportunity to get away from it all, even if just for a short time.
Tim Bagshaw has been an outstanding promoter and manager of Apex Escape since its inception, along with the Apex Club of Maleny which embraced this very special project.
Apex Escapes are funded through money raised every year from the Maleny Business Directory.
An Apex Escape involves a 2 or 3 night stay at a B&B or cottage in the Maleny district and dinner for the family at one of the local restaurants.
For those families with children a $100 voucher is provided at Colin James Fine Foods in lieu of the restaurant meal.
Wittacork Dairy Cottages, Arley Farm, The Terrace of Maleny, Colin James Fine Foods and King Ludwig’s German Restaurant, have all been generous supporters of the Apex Escapes program.
The aim of the Club is to do 10-15 Escapes each year, and more if there is a need.
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