22-05-2025
Aussie dad with terminal cancer saves his true love from record floods
Footage of a dad saving his mowers by driving them through floodwaters has captured the heart of Aussies everywhere, as the weather event continues to wreak havoc across the nation.
Craig Hawley – better known as Pappy Haych – was quick to save his lawn gear once floodwaters rapidly rose on Wednesday on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Wife Annie captured the epic footage from the couple's home in Wingham, posting it to her salon's social media page.
Hilariously, Annie also put the song 'When a Man Loves a Woman' on the video.
'We hope everyone on our Mid North Coast are safe and okay,' she wrote.
'We are feeling very devastated for our neighbouring businesses in Wingham. We are more than willing to lend a hand in any way we possibly can.
'The Salon will remain closed until further notice. Fortunately, we are okay. So are my husband's mowers!'
Commenters on the post were quick to praise Pappy's dedication to saving his mowers.
'God's country. That area locals are survivors, get through anything,' one said.
Another wrote: 'Bloody bless Australia mate! What a legend!'
Speaking to wife Annie said the water came up in about two hours, and didn't stop for 24 hours.
She said there was luckily 'no damage' to the mowers.
'Both still go. He's pretty anal about his gear!' Annie said.
The couple have five adult kids and is about to have their seventh grandchild.
Annie said they moved to Wingham 12 months ago after becoming empty nesters.
Sadly, seven weeks after moving to Wingham, the couple found out Pappy had an aggressive brain tumour.
With a terminal diagnosis, the couple decided to stay and travel around Australia with the time they have. Medics say he has between two to four months to live.
'We almost went back to family, but decided to stay,' Annie said.
'So, the mowers safety didn't keep him down yesterday!'
The couple recently travelled to Uluru after friends started a GoFundMe.
'Makes us happy we started having kids young, so we could have some incredible bonding years with our grandkids too,' Annie said.
