Queensland Health ok for Mark Kilian to see dying Gold Coast dad

The son of a man dying of cancer in a Gold Coast hospital has spoken about the emotional moment he told his father he had finally been granted an exemption to visit. 

A SON locked in Sydney quarantine and battling authorities for a travel exemption to see his terminally-ill Gold Coast dad says a green light to visit has given his father the will to fight.

Mark Kilian and his wife Anneli - who had travelled from the United States to see him - were denied exemptions to come to Queensland four times despite testing negative to Covid-19 on multiple occasions.

They are both fully vaccinated. But Mr Kilian said Queensland Health called them on Wednesday night to relay they were finally granted the exemption to visit.

Mark Kilian and his wife Anneli Gericke pictured taking a selfie at the Gold Coast Airport after arriving into Queensland to see his dying father Franz. Mark had been battling Queensland health and the Queensland Premier for Quarantine exemption Picture Mark Kilian

At the time, he told the Bulletin Queensland Health was vague on the logistics.

But he called his father who was in Robina Hospital with pancreatic cancer immediately and said it had given him the will to keep fighting.

“He was ecstatic to hear the news,” Mr Kilian said.

“He was very emotional about the whole thing.

“The whole ordeal has been traumatic for all of us.”

Covid border closure. Mark Kilian and his wife Anneli are in hotel quarantine in Sydney and can't get to see Mark's dying father Frans (pictured) in Queensland. Credit: Change.org

Mr Kilian reflected on his time with his dad, Frans Kilian, 80, saying “he’s my hero”.

“He is the best human I know. He is the most kind, gentle, selfless human I know,” he said.

“In January I visited him and got to spend quality time when he was still able to get around.”

Mark Kilian and his wife Anneli Gerick. Picture: Facebook

The couple arrived into the Gold Coast on Thursday afternoon wearing full PPE gear, saying they were unsure of when they would be able to see his father.

It was reported Queensland Health would transport the father from Robina Hospital to the Gold Coast University Hospital, as they can manage the couple at the dedicated Covid-19 hospital. 

Mr Kilian had said pre-trip: “We are currently waiting for our exit Covid-19 results from last night.

“Once that happens then NSW transport people will take us to the airport. We have to wear full PPE gear throughout the whole journey.

“We will hopefully be leaving around midday and land in the Gold Coast not long after.

“Once we arrive we don't know what happens but are hoping to visit my dad as soon as possible,” Mr Kilian said.