Jack was just nine years old when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour.

As he spent three weeks in hospital undergoing surgery and treatment to try to remove the cancer, his family were shocked and heartbroken.

“When Jack was first diagnosed, it was such a shock and very difficult to hide our stress from Jack”, recalls Mum Vivian.

Everything changed for the family when they found the Starlight Express Room, as it provided the positive distraction they needed to cope with their new reality.

“The Starlight Express Room gave Jack something to look forward to, and took his mind off the severity of his condition” says Vivian. “We were able to regain our strength whilst Jack was having fun with the Captains.”

After his initial three weeks of treatment, Jack was able to go home but returned to the hospital weekly for ongoing testing and treatment.

Devastatingly, Jack’s cancer returned a year after his initial diagnosis and tumours were found in his brain and throughout his spinal cord.

Jack endured a further three weeks in hospital, followed again by weekly check-ups and treatment.

After the trauma of his ordeal, Jack was so excited to be granted his own Starlight Wish. Jack and his family chose a trip to the sunny Gold Coast to experience the thrills of the theme parks, and enjoy a much needed break together.

Today, Jack is doing well. He is the first child in Australia to be treated with a new medication for his condition, and due to the positive results he is seeing, other sick kids are now following.

Jack and his family are looking forward to “lots of laughs together” on their trip to Happiness Island!