Reg's Bucket List Trip

This GoFundMe campaign is about a very special man. His name is Reg. Reginald, if I am teasing him. In February of this year he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. He had hoped for two years to fulfill his bucket list and was scheduled to have the tumour in his lung removed in early May. Unfortunately, further scans have revealed that the cancer has progressed to Stage Four Lung Cancer  with Liver  and Bone Secondaries . His life expectancy is now 6 months. Palliative treatment is underway: radiation and chemotherapy to prolong his life however the two year plan is no longer an achievable one.


Reg had planned many things to do during his two years: he had started bee keeping and, as an avid sailor, wanted to sail from Australia to Bali. Essentially, what we, his family and friends, would like to do, is gather the money together to enable him to see his family and friends within Australia and in New Zealand.

My name is Lily. I am 23. My mother has known Reg since 1985 and has been a fast and committed friend ever since. I was born in 1993 and my father passed away in 2000, from cancer. In his absence Reg has been the father that I did not have. He has supported me in ways that I cannot begin to describe. I cannot articulate the level of support, love, respect and kindness he has shown me during my lifetime. But, you'll soon come to find, that isn't just a one off occurance. Reg has touched the lives of many people.

Evie and Reg

Reg has two amazing children, Natalie and Che. They both have families of their own. 

Reg, Evie and his daughter Natalie

Reg has a beautiful daughter, Natalie. And also a beautiful grandaughter, Evie who is 5 years old and pictured above. He lives in a flat underneath their house and has been a rock for Natalie who works full time and is a single mother. Their relationships is one to be admired. Solid, consistent and full of love.  Although I cannot speak for Natalie or Evie, who is only very young, it is my belief that Reg has been a father/grandfather figure to Evie over the last 5 years.

Natalie has written about her dad:

"My dad has been my rock in so many ways, as he has made himself available to listen to my ups and downs without judgement and also taken the time to help me with renovating and whilst I was a kid he was the best person to play with and gave so much encouragement. I feel he always has my back. The physical and emotional safety net I have from my dad has got me to where I am today. Dad is not wealthy but he is rich in generosity and available to people in need and at the same time make them laugh and help them turn their life around. If there is anytime that dad has needed support, the time is now.
Any funds big or small will give my dad something to look forward too.... Thanks Lil for setting up this thoughtful funds page xo" - Natalie


Reg and his son, Che

Che, his son, lives in NZ with his family, wife Eva and kids. Reg has always spoken of his son as a decent generous man who has good values and couldn't be prouder. Reg adores his grandkids and at times (most times) loved being a kid whilst hanging out with them. He loves noticing their unique qualities. An option that we are looking at considering is flying Reg over to see his grandkids and son and daughter in law in New Zealand, which is something which would be invaluable to him. For return flights we are looking at around $1400 for two tickets (return) and between $1500 and $2000 for accomodation. 

Reg and his grandchildren, Kiara, Aliyah, Meea and Malakai

Reg has boundless love for his family. He would go to the ends of the earth to help either of his children or his grand kids (and the kids he picked up along the way, like me). He is loving beyond words, supportive, encouraging and a mentor. He is an incredible father.

Then there is Virginia. Two or three years ago Reg met a beautiful woman named Virginia and unbenowsnt to him, while he was admiring her from afar and hesitant to admit his own feelings, she was in fact sharing the same feelings of admiration and adoration that he was experiencing. Not long after his initial diagnosis, Reg started helping Virginia build a pergola in her backyard and they gradulally built the confidence to admit their feelings for each other. Like in a fairy tale, they are soulmates. Their love for each other palpable. It is a beautiful yet heartwrenching sight, as as of a few days ago, their relationship has been given a time limit.

Virginia and Reg

And me? Well, I am someone who wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Reg.

What we are aiming to raise funds for are sporatic holidays for Reg, all over Australia and hopefully to New Zealand, before he becomes too unwell to travel. Reg has many passions including sailing and the outdoors. 


Here is a little more information about the amazing man himself: 

Reg is a builder who has spent most of his spair time during his life using his skills to lend a hand to those who needed it most. For example, if you need a pergola built, he is your man. If your house needs to be painted, he is there. Overgrown garden? Sorted. Crisis? He will be there.

His life experiences have brought him wisdom at an early age and he shares his experience, strength and hope willingly with all whom he encounters. He is a bright, shining beacon of light who builds strength in other people with the wisdom that he carries within himself. He has friends worldwide and they would and have attested to his true character. See below for messages of love and support from Reg's loved ones!

My mum always described him as a salt of the earth character who treats all as equals and with respect. Nothing has been too hard for Reg, when it comes to helping others.

This surprise is a way for us to thank Reg for the love, support, guidance and kindness that he has not only shown us but to so many others throughout his lifetime. It is so rare to meet somebody as selfless and giving as Reg. To be able to fulfill one of his last dreams would be the perfect way to show him our gratitude and appreciation.


Reg is an avid sailor having sailed solo from Bali to Australia and was hoping to sail one last time but unfortunately that is no longer an option. This trip would give him the oppurtunity to see the world and for us, his family and friends, to show him how truly loved, respected and cared for he is.

Messages of love and support from Reg's friends and family:

"Reg is my brother. He is my spiritual brother. It is amazing having known someone for so long and to have witnessed their life with all of its up and downs and to be left with the image of such a good man. Such a kind hearted, generous and opened hearted man. He is understanding and  has a beautiful and forgiving mind. He has seen me at my best and he has seen me at my worst and he has given me the gift of friendship that has no equal. He has supported my daughter Lily, been a father to her... taught her to laugh again. Taught her to be ridiclous at times: sitting on the lounge, ice cream running down their faces, big grins on their faces! He has walked a hard road and this last stretch is just so unfair. He has dreamt of many adventures to unleash his funny self upon. I just want to see Reg experience his new found love on the trip of a life time unencumbered". - Susie

“Reg has a very humanitarian nature, often helping those needing assistance without seeking recognition or accolades in return. I have had a long and genuine friendship with Reg and his family for over 30 years. During this period we have discussed many topics and he has always given me his honest and frank opinion, from a male perspective - not always the answer that I wanted to hear. My male "girlfriend"! He is a confident, caring, generous, adventurous and a very humorous soul who often puts others before himself. I have always felt comfortable in and enjoyed his company and we are never stuck for conversation. I will be there for this part of his journey also.” - Faye

"We have known Reg for many years and he has always been a true and trusted friend. He has been an enormous help to us in both hard and good times. Graham reckons his football likes have been a bit poor but we have given him for his lapses. There is so much to be said it is to hard to put into words" - Graham

"Love my uncle Reg with all of my heart. He was my favourite growing up. He took me on many adventures and always looked out for me xxx"  - Suzanne 

"I have known Reg for 38 years and in that time with him I have lived with him and I consider him to be a considerate and decent person." - Tom

"... I don't even know where to start... Reg, what a man! You have changed the very course of my life. I will never forget walking into that room and there you were. You had such a presence about you and then I heard you speak. You are everything I have ever wanted in a father. You are wise and generous in your council. You are a man of honesty and integrity and someone I can look up to, as can my children. You are the grandad they so desperately needed. You have given me a safe, warm and loving place to grow in confidence. You have given me hope when I had none and wisely said, 'don't worry, it will pass'. I hold you in the highest of esteem and I am richer for having known you. Words will never be enough to describe the love and admiration I have for you. I love you always." - Lauren

"I've only known Reg for a few years. He was welcoming, honest, supportive and willing to have me as his friend. We share similar stories about family, sailing and the building sector, also volunteer oppurtunities like Riding For Disabled, demonstrated Reg's willingness to 'do the right thing'. I am priviliged to have Reg, not only as a mentor for life but as a friend." - Kev

"Reg, I am sure that you know that my phone is always on. Call when you are ready. You are in my heart as always and truly a blessing to have in my life. Love you xxx"  - Tracy

"Observations about Reg: had the patience and time with his teenage daughter to take her and her friend to drama estedford in Lismore and listen to them sing, in entirety, One Hundred Green Bottles Sitting in the Wall. It still sticks with me even though it was 30 years ago." - Donna

"As a kid I remember Reg as being a real genuine man with a big heart. I never felt judged when with him. I was collecting Tazos from chip packets and he gave me a whole stack of them. He liked chips as much as any kid and I thought that was super cool! I looked up to him - the way he conducted himself felt so solid, honest and generous." - Gene

"How Reg has affected my life? Very hard to put into words. Reg has taught me how to be a mum to my son. As I needed guidance as a single mum. How do you raise boys? How do you let them walk their walk and not push them away? Reg taught me. I am the mum that I am to Liam by Reg's help. Tyla, my daughter, the same. Reg guided, talked, listened and made suggestions on how I could change. Both Liam and Tyla know and love Reg. Reg taught me that I didn't need to fit into the social stigma 'be a mum that bakes muffins' and encouraged me to follow my passions. I have travelled with kids and experience, wonderful freeing experiences. With a due to Reg, he has supported me through divorce court, being in court and my highs and lows, unconditional love, loyalty, honest, carefree, adventurous, loveable, kind, fantastic sense of humour and an amazing energy for life. He has opened his life and allowed myself and my children into his family. I am truly blessed. His love for his family, is that of what I aspire to. That is the best way I can express by words 'Reg'". - Tracy

"Growing up, Reggie has been my father where my own has been absent. He bought my first artwork off of me when I was little and told me to suck it up when I was a moody teen. He is a true comedian but most of all he was present in my life, generous with his time and attention and loving - even when he had his own family he still had time for us. He is pretty tough but at the same time the most genuine person you will meet. I can't imagine sailing around the world by yourself, that takes guts. I have always looked up to him and now as an adult I feel like he is a true friend who I can talk to at anytime, honest and real. Much love Reggie". - Emmanuelle- Rose

"Reggie. The keeper of secrets. The funniest man in the universe. Memories of laughter, tears and many years of great friendship. Always kept the house clean but never, ever put out a new roll of toilet paper. Always thought that we needed two flagons of wine because I could finish one on my own. Taught me that there was growth in vulnerability and you could lie and not feel bad. Will see you soon Reg." - Nene


Reg, early 2000's

"My dearest friend Reg. A constant reassuring, validating, cheeky, caring, wicked humour, brave, wild, adventurous, free, selfless soul...I thankfully know and love you... you have saved me from my madness without knowing it by your welcome and unconditional acceptance... Wishing you so much... may joy and peace be with you... love always" - Sonia

"We have only known Reg for 2 years and it feels like we have known him forever. We needed a hand building our extension..we got more than a hand! We got a lot of laughs, a lot of good stories, solved a lot of problems, drank a lot of coffee, found a lot of snakes, learnt a lot of stuff and got a lot done! Reg can make, fix, build, wear and talk about anything. I dont know how he finds his tools...he just keeps pulling them out of his many different cars! They don't make 'm like Reg anymore. We now have a beautiful home and a great friend". - Steve and Annie

"Known Reg for 24 yrs, has been a mentor and a good mate... supported me in every stupid thing I've done, don't think he has ever judged me. To me Reg is a family oriented man, with a heart of gold, has some out there ideas, most of all passionate about life" - Mick