The recent Bake-a-Wish fundraiser was a labour of love for Tolmie’s Arrowsmith family with one of their own ever grateful for being a recipient of a special gift more than 12 years ago.
For 20-year-old William while some of the memories might be hazy, he has never lost the feeling of the excitement and joy as a critically ill child when the Make-A-Wish Australian Foundation granted his wish for a model railway set.
As an eight year old dealing with ongoing treatment for a complex heart condition William’s world was one of constant medical attention and hospital visits so when the opportunity arose for his parents Joanne and Brent to apply for a wish through the foundation it was a welcome distraction.
“Being able to talk about his wish gave William the confidence to start to feel positive about himself and who he is,” Jo said.
She explained how Make-A-Wish ensures each request is carefully planned, designed, and delivered to best complement a child’s medical treatment.
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Jo said for some children, their wish is to meet their sporting heroes or favourite television star, while others yearn for a holiday visiting the theme parks on the Gold Coast.
For William, his love of Thomas the Tank Engine led to a wish for a railway model set like his dad’s made-in-Germany which he says he still has today and continues to derive lots of pleasure from.
His mother remembers her son pouring over countless catalogues searching for his dream train set and accessories.
The foundation makes sure that the presentation of the wish is an occasion to be enjoyed by the recipient, their family and special friends.
Jo recalls their Gembrook home being transformed into a Thomas the Tank Engine themed party with the Women’s Weekly cook book cake to match.
Other wish enhancements included the opportunity for William to join the driver in the engine room of the popular Dandenongs' attraction the steam train Puffing Billy.
According to Make-A-Wish, no two wishes are alike - but every wish transforms the lives of those involved, from children themselves to their family, friends, the wish team, and wider community.
Jo recalled when William received the train set.
“After school every night I'd have to drag William – in fact all the boys (his brothers Samuel and Jack) – away from the railway to eat dinner and do homework,” she said.
From a young age and being the beneficiary of such a positive experience, William was keen to give back so other children could have their wishes fulfilled.
At the age of nine William was an ambassador for Make-A-Wish and involved in various promotions.
William said he remembered being “so nervous” when they were doing a giant Christmas event at one of Melbourne’s busiest shopping centres, Chadstone.
For William, his health issues are ongoing having recently undergone another major operation at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The family made a permanent move to Tolmie more than seven years ago, having enjoyed a lot of time in the High Country for the previous six years at their Merrijig holiday home.
William finished year 12 at Mansfield Secondary College two years ago.
He now divides his time between Yarra Valley Zoo where William inspired by a love of animals works in the café, with a second job at Foodworks Mansfield.
His other love is theatre.
It was a family affair for the Arrowsmiths when William was involved in the MMuDs (Mansfield Musical & Dramatic Society) 2023 production of “The Castle2”.
William is keen to tread the boards again soon.
In the meantime, the Arrowsmiths are focused on their latest fundraising effort.
Although the family has done market stalls, and trash and treasure sales to raise money for Make-A-Wish, Jo said this was the first time they had done Bake-A-Wish.
With the assistance of six helpers including William and his friend Liam Wilson, Jo prepared a high tea featuring home-made savoury and sweet items, and Devonshire teas for invited guests.
The effort raised just under $2000 putting Jo first on the top bakers’ leaderboard and was expected to grow with donations being accepted until end of September.
There are 900 critically ill children on the waiting list, and your donation could make someone’s wish a reality, said Jo.
https://fundraise.makeawish.org.au/fundraisers/joannearrowsmith/bake-a-wish-fundraising
