Wish stories

Charlie was fiercely independent and very active. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and ADHD, which meant Charlie sometimes struggled in social situations and felt overwhelmed or anxious. He could find conversation distressing. Being diagnosed with cancer too, added to those challenges.

A tough journey

In March 2018, Charlie found a lump on his back. Doctors diagnosed a very rare cancerous tumour which was putting pressure on his spine. He needed surgery straight away, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Afterwards, there was almost nothing left of his body to protect his spine and Charlie’s skin broke down and became infected. He needed more major surgery and had to wear a big cast round his tummy. He had to learn to walk all over again, while he waited for an MRI scan to find out whether or not he was cancer free.

At the time, Charlie’s mum Sarah told us: “He’s so close to ringing the end-of-treatment bell. He will have hospital appointments until he is five years cancer free, but I’ve always known about Make-A-Wish and he deserves a treat to mark the end of his treatment."

Bringing back his cheekiness

"Charlie has been too poorly to choose his wish until now. It’s been so hard for him to lose his independence. He wanted to understand every aspect of his treatment and didn’t want people acting like he wasn’t there. His recovery has been slow, mentally and physically. We’ve just had to accept that, and we’re slowly working towards getting his confidence back. He is bringing back his cheekiness!"

"We’re hopeful that Charlie will regain his ability to walk normally again eventually, but we’re also prepared for him not fully recovering. We have no definite answers."

Charlie wished to have a Nintendo Switch, to help him cope with his condition and to keep him amused during trips to the hospital. His wish was granted in February 2019, when he was taken by limousine to collect his very own Nintendo Switch games console.

Something to treasure

"We have to travel all over London for his appointments, so Charlie is so excited that his Nintendo Switch will be portable, with all his favourite games to keep him distracted from all the aches, pain, discomfort and disturbance that he deals with. He knows we can’t afford to buy him one ourselves, so it's going to make him so happy. It’s something for him that he doesn’t have to share."

A heartbreaking ending

Sadly, after his wish was granted, Charlie and his family were given the heartbreaking news that his cancer had spread and was incurable. Charlie passed away in March 2023 at the age of 15. Sarah told us “His Switch certainly kept him going through the last couple of years, especially when we were shielding during the pandemic.”