Blog 363 —The Miracle Begins Surviving the Kokoda Trail Commenced 24 October 2026 Written by Chontell Sharp and John Hankin Dedication This blog is inspired by you Chonny. To use your own words, this is “ For the friendship I never saw coming, and will always be grateful I found”. *** John Hankin’s Story Photo Margaret and me in 1998 soon after we met. *** I was age 76 on 2 August 2025 when I flew to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea to walk the Kokoda Trail. I had open heart surgery 7 years before I got on that plane. The doctors gave me three bypasses and repaired my heart. The heart operation was extremely hard. When I died during the surgery, I begged to be allowed to return to this world so I could be here when Margaret really needed me. My prayer was granted. Soon, Margaret got untreatable cancer but I was able to be with her during every moment of her pain. I was with Margaret as she died. I ho...
