BLAKE PULLMAN of Masterton loves trains and couldn't believe his good luck when he heard he was going on a tour of the South Island, with much of it aboard a train.
Blake, 6, in his second year at St Patrick's School, has cystic fibrosis and the New Zealand Make-A-Wish Foundation has come up with an all-expenses paid, eight-day trip for Blake and his guardians and grandparents, Marion and Bill Cook.
Mrs Cook said yesterday Blake was very excited when he knew the trip was on that he packed a fortnight ago, making sure he had the most important things like toys, toys and more toys.
The party leave Masterton this Saturday on the 5pm train to Wellington where they will overnight before catching the ferry to Picton.
Then it's all aboard the TranzCoastal to Kaikoura where first up on the sightseeing agenda will be the world-famous whales.
Blake said he especially wanted to travel on the Tranzcoastal and TransScenic journeys and to visit the beaches at Nelson where an Abel Tasman scenic cruise on the Taranui Boat has been arranged for him.
Mrs Cook said Blake was crazy about V8 super cars so the foundation was also trying to organise a ride for him when he's in Wellington either at the beginning or end of his tour, which will also take in Christchurch, Blenheim and Greymouth.
She said she first heard about the Make-A-Wish Foundation three years ago when Blake was very ill in Wellington Hospital.
The foundation which was launched in 1987, grants wishes to children aged from three to 18 who have a life-threatening illness, with requests falling into four categories ? a destination, occupation, celebrity or a special gift.
Blake's health and well-being will be of prime concern during the trip south and fitted around all the activity is the vital, twice-a-day procedure Mrs Cook must give Blake to keep his airways open.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder which causes thick mucus to block the airways which can lead to lung infections and abnormalities with the digestive system.
He's is one of just a few children in Wairarapa who have cystic fibrosis ? an illness in which about 80 per cent of sufferers have both respiratory and digestive problems.
The countdown for Saturday is well under way and Blake will leave home kitted out in a shirt and cap plus wearing a backpack given to him for the trip and as a permanent reminder.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
Te Awamutu BMX riders off to world champs
Great opportunity to see where skills stack up against best riders from around the world.