Amy Forrester speaks at the new Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital

In an emotional speech, a mum has shown just why the charity is a lifeline for so many families struggling through difficult medical journeys at the opening of a new family room in Mackay.

There’s a new Ronald McDonald family room at Mackay Base Hospital and in a powerful speech to celebrate its opening, Amy Forrester spoke about the gratitude she felt for the charity and the volunteers who stood with her as she and her husband navigated their family’s complex medical journey.

“Without the Ronald McDonald House charities, I do not know how we would have coped,” she said.

“The volunteers are beautiful also and very kind and understanding.”

Chris and Amy Forrester with their daughter Juliet at the new Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Mackay Base Hospital on December 8, 2022. Picture: Duncan Evans

Mrs Forrester’s daughter Juliet was born with a rare genetic condition which has affected her development.

She said the Ronald McDonald House in Townsville had been their recent “saviour” after Juliet was hit with severe pneumonia and flown to the city on a ventilator.

“I’m extremely excited to see the Mackay Base Hospital now has a family room and I know that we will get so much use out of it and I know so many other local families who will benefit from this fantastic charity,” Mrs Forrester said.

Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital being built. Photo: Contributed

The family rooms, which sit immediately adjacent to the hospital, are designed to give children and their families the comforts of home during hospital stays.

A grand total of $984,057 was raised by the community for the project at Mackay Base Hospital.

The family room has a kitchen, laundry, lounge room, nap rooms and lots of room to relax and play.

Its free services are estimated to save families an average of $37 per day.

Mrs Forrester was joined on the day by Chris, Juliet, dignitaries and VIPs, including Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia board member Paul Rissman and Mackay Hospital and Health Services interim chief executive Paula Foley.

“Travelling to Mackay Base Hospital for a range of appointments, tests and treatment can be exhausting,” Ms Foley said.

“The Ronald McDonald family room will be a refuge that will make their stay a little less daunting and a little more comfortable.”