With the possibility her mother Martha may never get the surgery she needs to save her life, Roo does all she can to ensure it happens. But is she setting herself up for heartbreak?
During a visit to the transplant clinic in Home And Away this week, Martha (Belinda Giblin) is told she’s not well enough to undergo surgery.
Dr Logan (Harley Bonner) explains that, with her condition worsening, her blood pressure is high and her medication will need to be increased.
A teary Martha blames herself, but accepts her fate. Alf (Ray Meagher) is overcome with emotion and tries to hide it from his wife.
Their daughter Roo (Georgie Parker), however, refuses to accept the doctor’s decision and does some research into heart conditions and how to reduce stress.
“Roo has known her mother for only a few years,” Georgie, 57, tells TV WEEK.
“Martha came back in her life, and then Roo could have saved her life, but her mother wouldn’t let her, and she thought she would lose her all over again.”
The following morning, Roo presents her findings to Logan, who implements a course of action that aligns with Roo’s health kick. Alf isn’t convinced it has any merit, but Martha is willing to try anything.
“Alf is so stubborn that it’s hard to have a conversation with him about it,” Georgie explains.
When Alf gets home, he’s stunned to find Martha, Roo and Marilyn (Emily Symons) meditating on the couch. And he can smell something, which turns out to be vegetable soup and Buddha bowls.
Despite his scepticism, he admits he hasn’t seen Martha having this much fun in a long time. Perhaps Roo is right…
The next day, the trio head off on a walk, but it proves too much for Martha, who struggles to breathe.
Alf snaps at his daughter for pushing her mum too hard. Suddenly, Roo is reminded of how fragile her mother is and her father’s deep concerns.
Mia says goodbye to Summer Bay
Emotions are running high in the Parata household when Mia makes the heartbreaking decision to leave town.
Mia (Anna Samson) has struggled to find her way without her late husband Ari (Rob Kipa-Williams). Her daughter Chloe (Sam Barrett) decides to stay in Summer Bay, but understands why her mother has to leave.
“Ari was her mum’s soulmate and, in a lot of ways, the glue that held their family together,” Sam tells TV WEEK.
Chloe urges her mum to start afresh, which sees Tane (Ethan Browne) gifting Mia a one-way ticket to New Zealand, where his brother was laid to rest.
The family gathers for one last pizza party together before Mia packs her bags and heads for the airport. Farewell, Mia!