Posted Friday 14 September 2012

Supercar Driver makes Patrick’s Day!

Patrick has travelled a tough road. In recent times the 19-year-old has spent more time in hospital than out.

Patrick’s wish granting had been delayed significantly because of complications with his illness, cystic fibrosis.

This made the team at the Melbourne Volunteer Branch of Make-A-Wish even more determined to make Patrick’s wish presentation as special as possible.

After meeting with Patrick and his family on several occasions, the volunteer team learnt that he has a love for old cars and a special interest in car racing. With this in mind, the team began to investigate ways to make his upcoming wish presentation truly memorable. Contact was made with Melbourne-based V8 Supercar Driver, Tony D’Alberto, who advised he would be in town and honoured to help with Patrick’s presentation.

As Patrick was still being treated in hospital, the presentation was to take place at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. This was a special moment that none of Patrick’s family was going to miss. In fact his brothers and parents were almost as excited as Patrick. The day of his long-awaited presentation was finally here, meaning his wish granting was just around the corner!

Dad, Grant, said that “Patrick was incredibly impressed by Tony and enjoyed meeting the team when they came into the hospital.” Tony even presented Patrick with some signed memorabilia to add to his collection.

A week after the presentation Patrick and his family were headed to Malta on his wish. Patrick enjoyed the opportunity to explore his heritage. We are told that his wish experience and his meet with Tony has given him some much-needed inspiration. He is now determined to get out of hospital and take Tony up on his invite to visit the workshop. “He’s looking forward to getting out of hospital and seeing Tony’s workshop, and watching genuine first line racing cars get around the track,” said Grant.