Make-A-Wish
How Archie Became the Australian Cricket Captain
How Archie Became the Australian Cricket Captain
Each and every day, Make-A-Wish brings fantastic people together to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish has been creating inspirational, life-changing wishes in Australia since 1985 and has helped more than 10,000 unforgettable wishes to come true.
A wish is not a fleeting gift – each child’s Wish Journey is carefully planned and delivered over several stages to create a positive, lasting impact. Wishes are designed to complement a child’s medical treatment, working to calm, distract and inspire at a time they need it most. When a wish is realised, a child discovers that despite their situation, anything is possible. In this way, wishes deliver both an immediate boost and a long-lasting effect on sick kids’ lives, families, and communities.
Urban Rest has been a proud partner with Make-A-Wish for nearly a year, providing accommodation for children and their families while fulfilling their dreams. We believe Make-A-Wish is doing an incredibly important job, and we want to support them as much as possible. One of the children we’ve helped support is Archie and his family, and this is the story of how he became the captain of the Australian Cricket Team.
Archie’s Life-Threatening Heart Condition
Archie has spent much of his short life in hospital while he battled a life-threatening heart condition. At just three months old, he had his first open heart surgery – with 12 further surgeries since then. Much of Archie’s day-to-day life consisted of hospital stays and specialist visits. As a result, he’s missed out on plenty of school and opportunities to play with his friends.
When Archie first met with the Make-A-Wish volunteers, he decided his ultimate wish was to be the Captain of the Australian Cricket Team! Archie couldn’t believe it when the phone rang, and it was the Australian Cricket coach Justin Langer calling.
“I’ve got some pretty special news…I’ve been watching your highlights, and I’m really pleased to tell you that you’ve been picked in the squad for the Boxing Day Test!”- Justin Langer, Head Coach of the Australian Cricket Team.
Aware that a place on the squad is no guarantee of making it into the final line-up, Archie took Langer’s advice on board – practising with backyard bowling drills nightly with his dad.
Archie’s Dream Came True
Archie received the most incredible honour on the biggest day of the Australian cricket calendar – his very own baggy green cricket cap.
He stood with the team as the national anthems played, kitted out in his full cricket whites and a custom-made captain’s jacket. Archie tossed the coin, led the team onto the field and even had a stint in the commentary box.
The crowd loved their new hero, especially his advice to his teammates – “I told the boys to hit sixes and take wickets”. When a news reporter asked Archie what the best part of his day was, he responded, “I’m the most famous kid in the world right now”.
How Urban Rest Supported Archie and His Family
Archie is now a happy and healthy 10-year-old boy who still stays in contact with his former Australian teammates, who invite him to train when they are in town. Archie’s wish profoundly impacted Archie and his whole family, who are always willing to share their journey and help raise awareness for Make-A-Wish® Australia.
“For us, it’s shown Archie that even though he’s got limitations, he’s got the world at his feet – he can do absolutely anything that he sets his mind to” – Sarah, Archie’s mum, after reflecting on his wish journey. In 2022 the family visited Adelaide as guest speakers at a large corporate convention, helping inspire the room to raise over $300,000 for Make-A-Wish.
“Urban Rest went above and beyond for Archie and his family. Their apartment was just perfect, and the gift on arrival was such a special touch that really added to the experience. We are extremely grateful for Urban Rest’s support which helps us deliver life-changing wishes for families just like Archies across Australia” – David Reis, Make-A-Wish Australia.
Find out how you can support Make-A-Wish as a volunteer or through donations, so they can continue their life-changing work of bringing wishes to life.
