Wish stories

In May 2023, Callum had a severe stomach bug and was constantly vomiting, which his doctor diagnosed as a viral infection. He was sent home to rest but his mum, Joanne, remained concerned, as he wasn’t his usual outgoing self.

“He was looking a funny colour, a bit yellow-y, and he was sweating,” she recalled. “I took him to A&E as I wanted answers. After testing, it turned out his white blood cells were all over the place. He had a swollen liver and the ultrasound scan found a tumour.”

He was sent for further tests, including a biopsy, and at just eight years old, Callum was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, stage three, news no child should ever have to hear. Shortly after, he began chemotherapy.

“The first round of chemo was mild,” explained mum. “Although, he did experience tumour lysis syndrome, caused by the cancer cells breaking down rapidly. He had a high temperature and was breathless but eventually settled down. The second round was more intense. He was vomiting a lot and losing hair.”

It was a challenging time for the whole family, as they were often away from home for long stretches of time, and couldn’t see friends and family, due to Callum’s weakened immune system, making an already difficult time even harder.

Now 11, Callum is thankfully in remission and is getting back to being his usual sociable self, although the worry of relapse remains.

“He has to attend a routine ultrasound to check nothing has spread but touch wood, everything’s positive. The highest chance of lymph nodes coming back is within the first two years, so fingers crossed.” said Joanne.

Whilst he was in hospital, his support worker from referral partner the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, brought Make-A-Wish to his mum’s attention.

Callum has always been a big rugby fan and is passionate about supporting his local team, the Warrington Wolves. In the past, he had even met and spoken to his favourite rugby player, Josh Thewlis, so he knew that his ultimate wish was to spend a full day training with his idol, as he had so many questions to ask him!

“It’s next Thursday and I’m so excited, I said to mum to wake me up at 5am but I think I’ll be waking her up at 5am!” said Callum enthusiastically, before his wish.

On the day of the wish, Callum, his aunt Kirsty, and his mum were picked up in a limousine, ready for a fun-filled day.

“Callum loved the limo because of the Bluetooth,” shared mum. “He was playing Warrington Wolves songs! When we arrived, two of the players opened the limo door for him and in the main reception there was a big billboard with a picture of him and Josh, saying ‘Welcome Callum!’”

The family were treated to a full behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, the changing rooms, the coach's box, the media room, the medical room and the gym. Afterwards, Callum sang his heart out to Warrington Wolves chants alongside the players and played with the Warrington Wolves mascot, Wolfie.

His favourite bit of the day, of course, was getting the opportunity to train 1-1 with Josh, who showed him how to kick and tackle and gave him a signed training top! He was also gifted a training jacket, bag and rugby ball to add to his collection.