An Australian boy who suffers from an ultra-rare spinal cancer has lived out his dream of flying an army helicopter and commanding a warfare ship.
Daniel, 12, was born on Anzac Day and has had a love for emergency services and the armed forces since his earliest memories as a little boy.
But two years ago he found out he had contracted Ependymoma – a form of cancer that produces tumours that typically attack the brain and spinal cord.
His family was contacted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, who helped make Daniel’s dreams of serving in the armed forces a reality over the weekend.
Daniel on his way to HMAS Creswell in the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter
Daniel boards HMAS Hobart with the help of the Royal Australian Navy
Daniel fulfilling his dream to ‘head out to the sea on a battleship’
With the help of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Federal Police, Daniel embarked on a spectacular mission nicknamed ‘Operation Kingsman’.
Daniel was first escorted by the police to his own helicopter before flying over the NSW coastline to HMAS Creswell.
He spent the night alongside on-duty servicemen in a royal navy base’s cabin.
The next day, joined by Commanding Officer Captain John Stavridis in an official uniform, Daniel was welcomed aboard HMAS Hobart.
Commander Edward Seymour welcoming Lieutenant Daniel on board
Daniel onboard one of HMAS Hobart’s rigid hulled inflatable boats
Captain John Stavridis with Lieutenant Daniel on the bridge of HMAS Hobart
Lieutenant Daniel checking up in the Captains chair of HMAS Hobart
He underwent a grueling fitness program for 18 months before the mission, under guidance from Navy personnel that would come to visit him.
In addition to preparing himself physically, he was given a ‘strong box’ of recipes from a pediatric nutritionist to help him stay ‘mentally resilient’ in the buildup.
Welcomed by the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Federal Police as part of the crew, the boy experienced the special connection he always felt with emergency services and the armed forces.
After two amazing days, sponsored by the organisation’s partner Hungry Jack’s, Daniel could hardly keep the grin from his face.
Daniel has undergone treatment for the cancer and is on the road to recovery.
Daniel is farewelled by the executive officer on completion of a successful mission at sea
Daniel receiving a Meritorious Service Medal after the successful mission