As a thalidomide survivor, Monica McGhie has had to contend with plenty. However, her spirit of adventure has remained strong and, with a kitted-out motorhome, she’s forging new paths for people with disability.
By Ara Jansen
When Monica McGhie started being grounded because her motorised wheelchair wouldn’t fit on smaller planes, she went looking for another option. A life-long traveller with a thirst for adventure and new experiences, the thalidomide survivor decided to customise a motorhome that accommodates manual and motorised wheelchairs so she could see more of Australia from the road.
Born with a rare condition known as tetra amelia, meaning without limbs, Monica was the fifth of seven children. Her mother firmly believed her daughter should lead a ‘normal’ life and she was included in everything her siblings did. She taught Monica there was no such word as can’t and brick walls were meant to be gone around.
“My mum encouraged me so much,” says Monica. “She and my aunt took me to Europe when I was 16. I think that’s when I fell in love with travelling and adventuring.”
In 2014, she discovered her condition was the result of the drug thalidomide. It was a revelation that brought relief and closure. Knowing she wasn’t alone, sharing her experiences became a new part of her life’s journey.
She was also part of a class action in the Victorian Supreme Court which approved $89 million settlement in February 2014 for Australians and New Zealanders living with severe deformities. Australia has about 135 thalidomide survivors.
With newfound understanding and confidence, she started a new chapter – bought a house, hired support workers and embarked on cruises to places such as Broome, Hawaii, Alaska and New Zealand.
When she was grounded once too often because her wheelchair couldn’t get through the cargo hold door, she decided to customise a motorhome so she could enjoy and explore remote WA.
The motorhome – called Minus 4 Adventures – has an accessible entrance equipped with an automated wheelchair lift to accommodate all wheelchairs with safety and comfort. Wider aisles and spaces ensure comfortable manoeuvrability and promote freedom of movement.
The accessible bathroom is fully equipped with a roll-in shower, grab bars and a wheelchair-accessible sink. All the switches and controls are positioned at a lower, easily accessible height and feature large, easy-to-use buttons. A trailer provides storage for all the necessary gear for a road trip and has a fridge that runs on power or solar panels. Monica has even found a portable CPAP machine which runs on a battery.
Monica’s favourite feature, though, is the passenger side of the driver’s cab. It has been fitted for a wheelchair so she can sit right up front, see exactly where she’s going and help navigate the trip, instead of being relegated to the back.
Now she has taken a few trips in Minus 4 Adventures – she travels with a driver, a friend/support worker and her chocolate lab Milo – she’s hiring it out to others who also want to find some freedom on the road.
Active on Facebook and Instagram documenting her adventures, Monica turned 60 in October and says she’s not ready to slow down. There’s too much to do and see. Plus, she’s a great auntie about 14 times.
Monica has loved the fraternity with other motorhome users she has met along the way and the ones who use social media to offer help, tips and travel ideas, especially for those with disability.
Ever seeking new adventures, Monica’s next trips include New Zealand and in 2025 doing a 113-day cruise around the world.
Last month, she drove Minus 4 to Canberra, where the Prime Minister invited thalidomide survivors and their families in order to say sorry. The national apology was followed by a dedication ceremony to unveil a monument to recognise these survivors and their families.
For more information about the motorhome: www.minus4.com.au