When Charlie from Co. Cork told Make-A-Wish Ireland that he did not believe that his wishes to become a farmer could come true, the body was “determined” to change the 6-year-old’s mind.
The farming and animal enthusiast has had a challenging six years. The last part of his treatment left him with some mobility issues for a period.
The foundation granted his wish by organising for Charlie and his family to visit Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry.
Here, Charlie gained insight into all its farm machinery and its flock and cattle herd.
A spokesperson for the foundation explained that the “smile on Charlie’s face spoke volumes about his joy at being up close to real farm work”.
At the end of the day, Charlie received a certificate to say he had passed his basic farmer training. He was now ready to move onto a real farm to become a farmer.
The next stop was Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, to the farm of John and Marie Normanly to experience a working farm.
Neighbours, Bernie Finan, Alannah, Conor, and Walter, drove down to meet the 6-year-old in their tractors too so he could see a farming community at work.
Charlie’s mum told the foundation: “It took a long time for Charlie to buy into the whole process.”
“Charlie strongly believed that wishes do not come true. Well, now, he has changed his mind,” she added.
Make-A-Wish
According to the foundation’s website, Make-A-Wish aims to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, to “bring hope, strength, and happiness”.
The body says that “a wish granted is true magic for the child, providing respite from their normal routines of hospitals, doctors and treatment”.
In all possible cases, Make-A-Wish says that it ensures that all immediate family members can participate in the child’s wish to create “lasting, happy” memories.
Since 1992, it claims that it has granted more than 2,700 wishes for children across Ireland.
The children’s charity does not receive any government funding. Therefore, it relies on donations from the public to undertake its work.
