Wish stories

In May 2024, Charlie’s medical journey began with what seemed like a simple headache after school. But within days, the pain intensified, accompanied by sickness and his family knew something was very wrong. His mum recalled “Charlie was so poorly. He would grab his head and scream in pain.” Determined to find answers, they sought medical help, and it was discovered that Charlie’s optic nerve was swollen.

This led Charlie to have an MRI scan, which revealed a large mass at the back of his head. Within hours of this discovery, he was rushed to a specialist neurology ward where he spent the next three weeks. During this time, he had a drain (EVD) fitted to help manage the fluid build-up and then underwent surgery to remove the tumour, which took ten hours.

The surgery went well, but it came with difficult side effects. Charlie developed weakness on his right side, problems with balance (ataxia), incontinence, and cerebellar mutism, a condition that made it hard for him to speak. Then came the news no family ever wants to hear, the tumour was cancerous – a high risk medulloblastoma.

Charlie’s journey through cancer treatment was incredibly tough. He faced an EVD replacement, regular sickness, and even spent Christmas in hospital. Through every challenge, his family, school, and community stood by him with unwavering support.

After completing chemotherapy and six weeks of proton beam therapy, Charlie moved into the final stage of treatment and began rediscovering moments of normal life. But just as hope began to grow, a follow-up MRI revealed that the cancer had returned and spread, with multiple tumours now on his ventricles and spine.

Charlie then bravely completed 6 more weeks of continuous salvage chemotherapy, but a further MRI scan showed that the tumours were continuing to grow. With immense love and careful guidance from his medical team, Charlie’s family made the heartbreaking decision to stop treatment.

Now, their focus is on making every moment count, filling each day with love, laughter, and memory-making magic. Especially between Charlie and his younger brother, Rory.

One of Charlie’s biggest loves is magic. At his school awards ceremony he met a real magician, and from that moment, he was captivated. He loved the idea of having a secret skill to share with others. So, when he learned he could have a wish, Charlie wished ‘to be a magician’ and create a special magic show for his friends and family.

When Charlie’s wish came true, he stepped into the spotlight and truly shone. His favourite part was learning new tricks and performing them up close for his friends and family. With a local magician by his side, Charlie mesmerised the crowd, as his face lit up with joy.