Men’s shed helps Charles with final wish

Members of a north Brisbane Men’s Shed have helped an elderly cancer sufferer fulfil his final wish.

Charles Knight with Sandgate and District Men’s Shed president Ted Lewis and the model of The Bounty which the Men’s Shed members finished for Charles.

MEMBERS of a north Brisbane Men’s Shed have helped an elderly cancer sufferer fulfil his final wish.

Charles Knight, 84, started building a replica model of Cook’s Bounty a couple years ago but, due to recent ill health, was unable to finish it.

So Sandgate and District Men’s Shed members stepped in and applied the finishing touches to the boat. They also plan to build a frame for it.

The completed model of The Bounty owned by Charles Knight.

Mr Knight, of Gordon Park, was overwhelmed when presented with the finished replica.

“It is so beautiful,” he said.

“I can’t take my eyes off it.

“Thank you to the members of the Men’s Shed who made this happen. Thank you all so much.”

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Mr Knight has prostate cancer which has spread to his bones.

Brighton Health Campus nurse navigator Paramjit Kaur said when she discussed with Mr Knight his end of life wishes there was only one — to complete his model boat before he passed away.

“He needed someone to support him in this journey and that’s when I connected with the Community and Oral Health Engagement team for assistance who linked me, Charles and his wife to the Men’s Shed,” Ms Kaur said.

“We are so grateful for Peter Harris and other Men’s Shed members for granting Charles’ important wish.”

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Wife Anna Shiraze-Knight said when her husband didn’t feel well he always wanted to make and craft things from wood.

“It not only made him feel better, it always reminded him of his father Augustus,” she said.

“Woodwork is one of his favourite hobbies which he learnt from his father, who sadly passed away in 1947 when Charles was about 12.”

Mrs Shiraze-Knight said when the time was right they would donate the replica of the Bounty to the Queensland Museum with information about her husband.

“We want to help raise awareness about the Cancer Council and the great support they provide, but also help people who suffer from cancer,” she said.

Throughout Mr Knight’s life, he has been a draftsman, health inspector and plumber.

He recently accessed community care through Community and Oral Health at Brighton Health Campus while being cared for by his wife.