A five-year-old cancer battler's dream of flying in a helicopter could soon come true, thanks to generous pilots.
Helicopter pilots have been lining up offering to help fulfil Skyla Keating's bucket list wish after reading about her battle with cancer in an article in the New Zealand Herald and Bay of Plenty Times, Skyla's grandfather Keith Hatwell said.
"We are contacting them all and asking if they are all still prepared to go ahead with the flights, not all of them with Skyla but with other children from the region with serious or life-threatening illnesses."
In August last year, Skyla, who lives in Tauranga, was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an inoperable tumour affecting the brain stem near the top of the spinal cord. She was given just nine months to live. That was 10 months ago.
Tauranga-based helicopter pilot Steve MacIntyre said his wife pointed out the story in the Bay of Plenty Times and he was on the phone before he'd finished reading the story to see what he could do to help.
"The truth of it is that there's probably not a day goes past that I don't appreciate the health of myself and my own family. I think maybe not everybody has been so lucky and some people have been dealt a bad hand," he said. "If you can do a tiny bit to help ... I'm in a position where I can."
He would be happy to take another deserving child instead of Skyla if the family decided that would be best.
Auckland pilot Jonny Chambers was one of those who contacted Herald owner NZME offering to take her on a flight.
A father-of-one, Mr Chambers is a helicopter pilot for Airworks Group, which operates from Mechanics Bay.
Mr Chambers said he wanted to offer a free flight to the family because he was aware of the devastation cancer could cause. A friend of his who he was teaching to fly had recently been diagnosed with the disease.
He was aware of the urgency of the flight, given Skyla's prognosis.
The helicopter was being serviced, but would be airworthy from next week, he said.
"It's a six-seater, so a few family members can come along for the flight too."
The flight would depart from Auckland.
Mr Hatwell said the family was aware of two other children, a boy in Waikato and a boy in Auckland, who had also been diagnosed with DIPG. Mr Hatwell said he would like to take all three children on the helicopter ride.
"That would be lovely."
Mr Hatwell said Sharlene Sharma, Miss Teen NZ Continents 2016, had also contacted the family to arrange to meet with Skyla, after reading her story.
As well as flying in a helicopter, Skyla hopes to visit the snow and go on a horse trek.
Her stepmother, Catherine Walker, has set up a Givealittle page to raise money to help Skyla achieve these goals and to pay for her treatment.
To donate to help Skyla visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/teamskylahatwell