Coast guard helps Noah's birthday wish come true

Noah Barlow is continuing to make the most of every birthday and came to Queenscliff to celebrate the milestone this year.

The Bacchus Marsh resident has a rare form of mitochondrial disease, which affects the parts of the body with high energy requirements and can cause any symptom in any organ at any age.

Despite doctors once telling him he would not reach his 10th birthday, Noah is still loving life and celebrates his 16th birthday next week.

Each year, Noah tells his family an experience he would like to tick off his “Life List”, and this year chose to visit the coast guard.

Noah Barlow at the helm of one of the Queenscliff Coast Guard’s vessels. Photo: James Taylor.

Accompanied by his mother, Kat, Noah met volunteers at the Queenscliff Coast Guard and Victoria Police’s Water Police squad earlier today.

Queenscliff Coast Guard flotilla commander, Chris Smith, presented Noah with a citation and appointed him an ambassador for the Queenscliff Coast Guard in recognition of Noah’s enthusiasm, resilence and a genuine care for others.

Coast Guard volunteers gave Noah and Kat a tour of their facilities, including the well-equipped radio room – “I’m living here now”, Noah said, impressed – an onboard inspection of one of the flotilla’s boats and a turn at the controls of the flotilla’s Dolphin 3 rescue drone.

Noah tries out the Dolphin 3 rescue drone. Photo: James Taylor.

Water Police officers Leading Senior Constable Shaun Wallace and Senior Constable Christian Airey then helped Noah and Kat aboard VP 02, parked in Queenscliff Harbour and took them on an approximately 30-minute tour of Corio Bay.

Smith said today’s visit was a big a thrill for the Coast Guard volunteers as it was for Noah.

“He’s having a great time… to be able to do something like this and help someone out, give them a wish that they wanted and make that wish come true is pretty special,” he said.

(from left) Noah and Leading Senior Constable Shaun Wallace about to chat on the radio to another Water Police unit. Photo: James Taylor.

“As much as we’re here as a marine search as rescue unit, we’re here for the community, so if we’re able to do anything, we’re happy to do it.”

Kat also organises the Bloody Long Walk each year and will take a 35km walk this Sunday, the 17 May to raise funds and further awareness for mitochondrial disease.