It was during a family bush walk along the popular Spit Bridge to Manly track when Shane, 65, experienced the first symptoms of Motor Neurone Disease. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease, he was given 12–18 months to live.

Forced to stop work, Shane and his wife Julie also had to shelve retirement plans. With encouragement from a close friend, he began writing the book he’d always dreamed of.
Two Feet Off the Edge is a personal reflection of Shane’s spiritual beliefs intertwined with short stories of adventures and memories.

In the introduction, Shane writes, ‘When you are faced with your own cliffs, remember that being two feet off the edge is not a place of danger, but a place of opportunity.’

During this challenging time for Shane and his family, Clinical Nurse Specialist Helen Napthali from HammondCare’s community palliative care service was a regular visitor to their house. Helen’s consistent presence helped build a trusting relationship with Shane, Julie, and their daughters Brooke and Tamika.

'Shane’s symptoms were managed comprehensively by our combined allied health team, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists,’ shares Helen. ‘As his needs became more complex, we worked together to meet his changing situation.’

Working in tandem with the local health network, and the Motor Neurone Disease Research Centre at Macquarie University Hospital to provide 24-hour support, Helen’s team enabled Shane to keep living at home for as long as possible surrounded by his loved ones, including his two grandsons, Sammy (5) and Ziggy (3).

By the time Shane had finished writing his book he was unable to talk. He communicated through Julie that he needed support for a book launch. Anne Henman, a social worker from Helen’s team, made this happen, with financial support from HammondCare Foundation – which funded the cost of catering and the publishing of 250 copies of Shane’s book.

Shane died on 3 November 2024 at Macquarie University Hospital.