Tony Abbott attends morning tea at ‘marvellous’ children’s hospice

THE former Prime Minister met with the facility’s staff, volunteers and residents at an event to celebrate Bear Cottage’s $2 million renovations

Tony Abbott met Selena Loucas & her sons Athan, 6, & Dean, 4, as he toured Bear Cottage in Manly. Picture: Troy Snook

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BEAR Cottage in Manly hosts special guests of the small kind every single day.

But yesterday they welcomed another VIP — former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who attended a morning tea to celebrate the centre’s new renovations.

Among the special guests to meet Mr Abbott was Bear Cottage regular Athan Loucas, 6, along with his mum Selena, 43, and brother Dean, 4.

Tony Abbott met social worker Liz Arnott and Haifa and Abdul Alfas as he toured Bear Cottage. Picture: Troy Snook

Athan was eight weeks old when he was diagnosed with bilateral generalised polymicrogyria, a rare brain condition with a life expectancy of around seven years.

Athan — who will be seven in March — suffers from epilepsy and choking episodes, and is reliant on oxygen to survive. His condition constantly worstens, he rarely sleeps and has to be turned in bed every three hours.

The family, who lives in Kareela in Sutherland Shire, has been coming to Bear Cottage on and off for three years, and spent 20 days there over Christmas 2015.

Mr Abbott with Phillip Hojgaard-Olson, 18, Scott Green, 16, and Patrick Nolan, 16. Picture: Troy Snook

“It is a miracle Athan has sustained the last 12 months — he has come close to passing away many times and then he just comes back and re-jolts,” said Mrs Loucas.

“I am blessed to have Bear Cottage. They not only care for Athan, but the whole family. I can sleep when I am here.”

Mrs Loucas said the place was almost like a “second home” for Dean, and added that the little boy was mature and compassionate beyond his years because of his big brother’s condition.

Mr Abbott has raised funds for Bear Cottage on his annual Pollie Pedal charity bike ride. Picture: Virginia Young

The Bear Cottage renovations — made possible thanks to a $2 million grant from the Federal Government — included painting, roofing, waterproofing and internal upgrades.

At the morning tea, Mr Abbott, who has previously raised funds for Bear Cottage via his annual Pollie Pedal, praised the work of the hospice.

“This is a marvellous place which does truly wonderful things for people who really appreciate it.

“Of all the calls on government money, I think some carefully targeted intervention with a group like the parents, the patients, the staff and the volunteers of Bear Cottage is about as good as it gets.”