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Wish stories
Noah's wish...
“I wish to be in the army for a day”
12 years old, Leyland
Complex lung condition
An undiagnosed complex lung condition has had a vast impact on Noah’s young life. At just 12 years of age, Noah has missed out on his childhood, his condition impacting his ability to take part in physical activities that others take for granted. But Noah’s passion for the army has offered him a source of courage and a needed distraction whilst dealing with his condition. When Noah was offered a wish, it was a no-brainer that the young sergeant would choose to be in the army for a day, stepping into the shoes of the soldiers he looked up to as a source of strength whilst in hospital.
Noah's story
March 2024
When Noah’s older sister Molly planned a trip to Disneyland Paris, he had to stay at home: “Noah couldn’t go for a few reasons, which was really upsetting for him,” said mum, Emma. “His life has changed, and he’s struggling to deal with it.”
But despite living with his condition, courageous Noah is always up to a challenge - especially one that’s army-related.
As mum told us, “He’s a thrill seeker and has had an interest in the army from a young age. He will always choose army-inspired things to do!”
When mum found out that Noah could have a wish little thought was needed to decide what it would be. Noah would be in the army for a day, “He just knew that this would be his wish. He’s an old soul, he loves history. And we felt like his wish would encapsulate that.”
The wish had to be a money-can’t-buy experience, something unique and special that would celebrate Noah and all that he’s endured. As mum said, “As his parents you know it’s a once in a lifetime thing and we had to make it count. The main part of his wish was to ride in a tank because it wouldn’t have been something that we wouldn’t be able to make happen for him.”
For Noah, knowing that he was going to have his specially crafted wish happen offered a distraction “The excitement was immeasurable, so it took his mind off his sister going to Disney. Three weeks before the wish we started counting down the days!” Said Mum.
A detailed schedule of the wish was sent to the family days before the event ramping up the excitement levels. As mum expressed: “We never in a million years thought everything would be paid for and when the schedule came through we were amazed that find out that it was!”
Noah's wish
April 2024
The wish weekend started with the family making the long-awaited trip from their family home in Leyland to the Gray Manor Hotel, Salisbury, a short trip from the army barracks where the main part of Noah's wish would be happening.
The magical experience commenced even before Noah set foot in the barracks. “When we got to the hotel we went to a beautiful room, we wouldn't be able to get a room like that ourselves. The staff at the hotel were lovely, they made a fuss of him and made a handmade teddy with an army uniform for Noah. This was before the main part of the wish, and we were already wowed”, reflected mum.
After fuelling up on breakfast, the family was ready for the adventure-filled day ahead. Anticipation set in before the family had even parked at the Sailsbury Army Barracks: “As we pulled in an officer marched over with the energy of a Duracell bunny. He had such an influence on Noah.”
Throughout the day Noah participated in an array of thrilling training activities led by the soldiers on site, his army knowledge being put to the test. As mum explained: “He was set up on an exercise with enemies coming from a distance. He got to throw smoke grenades and even wash the tank ! He was a real sergeant for the day - everyone saluted him where he went."
“My favourite moment was when I got to go in the tank!” said Noah. Noah’s condition has given him little control of his life events, but as Sergeant Noah entered the tank, he was in charge for once. “Being in the tank was amazing for him! He was very serious of course because it's a serious machine! It was a one-in-a-kind experience that we wouldn’t be able to make happen ourselves,” said mum.
But what made the wish for mum was knowing that the soldiers present on the day came in just for Noah: “These soldiers were on leave, they came in to rehearse and deliver this to Noah. They gave up their precious time for him.” Noah's condition often impacts his energy levels, but the high spirits of the officers who greeted him filled him with eagerness for the day ahead: “Noah was getting tired due to his lung condition, but the officers kept his spirits up. They included him like he was one of their own.”
Adding to the day was Wish Maker Natasha, who guided and supported the family. “Volunteering to make wishes like Noah’s happen is amazing! I had a wish granted as a child and I know how important they are.” Without volunteer Wish Makers like Natasha, Noah's wish wouldn't be possible. As mum told us “Natasha was amazing on the day for us!”
The impact of Noah's wish
May 2024
Noah’s condition will continue to shape his life as he floats in and out of hospital appointments. This is why his wish was essential - he now has long-lasting memories to cherish, a joy-filled distraction to use throughout his life.
"“We know that we can always look back at this and it will always have an impact on us. We owe these memories to the British Army and Make-A-Wish. Thank you is not enough. What everyone was prepared to do for us has given us hope.”"
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