Wish stories

Just one day after the birth of his sister Kylie, Liam was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, a serious form of childhood cancer. He then began seven cycles of chemotherapy immediately, as mum Claire shared, “He was only three, it just didn’t feel fair. I realised that we can’t look to the future anymore, we needed to focus on the present.”

The treatment made Liam very poorly. He was constantly being sick, fighting viruses’, throat sores and infections. He lost his hair, and had two Hickman lines, but through it all, with the strength of his family around him, Liam was determined to never give up.

After two months of gruelling treatment, the Oncologist shared the positive news that the cancer was shrinking, which gave Liam and his family hope. He then pushed through the cycles of chemotherapy, completed a bone marrow aspiration before having a six-and-a-half-hour surgery to remove his tumour. Once this was complete, Liam then had a final high dose of chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant and immunotherapy. After treatment, the family then travelled to America for additional treatment, over the following year. Mum reflected, “He just looked awful, there were times when I looked at him and just thought, how are you going to make it through this, but he is a miracle child!”

During his medical journey, Liam discovered he could have a wish of his own. At first, he wasn’t sure what to choose, until a holiday to Italy sparked something special. After being bed-bound for so long, he was full of energy, chasing lizards and diving into nature. Back at the hotel, he’d jump on his tablet to learn all about different species and their unique features. His curiosity and confidence blossomed, and his mum began filming his nature talks, creating joyful memories together. So, when it came to choosing a wish, his love for documentaries and wildlife led to the perfect idea, to ‘have a National Geographic experience’.

With the wonderful support of the National Geographic, Disney and London Zoo, we were able to make Liam’s wish a reality!

Liam’s wish began even before he arrived at London Zoo, with a surprise letter from National Geographic revealing that Liz Bonnin would be co-hosting with him, an unforgettable moment. The family travelled down the day before to rest and rehearse, and when the big day came, Liam stole the show. From holding corn snakes to meeting Galápagos tortoises, he was a natural on camera. His passion for wildlife lit up every scene, and together with Liz, they created his first ever documentary.

Reflecting on a wonderful experience, where they made memories that will last a lifetime, mum shared, “Everything was incredible. The zoo was amazing, we got to go backstage and see how the animals we’re kept. They were so inviting and interesting. Filming with the National Geographic was such an honour. Liz was great, and Liam just felt so welcomed.

"It was the perfect time to be in the moment and to be present. Liam and Kylie loved it. Thank you for making them both feel so special. Kylie is now six, and she even felt celebrated and loved too. Liam’s grandma who was visiting from South Africa, also got to come along, which was so special, as she was a vital part of Liam’s journey, helping us through everything.

"Liam went back to school, and he’s been telling all his friends about his wish, and they just can’t get over it.

“At Make-A-Wish UK, Everyone I spoke too were such special, happy individuals. It was a magical experience overall; I just can’t thank you enough.”

Liam’s wish has made a lasting impact, not just on him, but on his mum too. It’s given him the confidence to chase his dream of working with animals, promoting conservation, and sharing their stories to help make the world a better place. Now, he’s launching his own YouTube channel, kicking things off with his documentary: The Secret Lives of Reptiles, Reefs and Arthropods.