Superstar Seb runs 14kms for Make-A-Wish
Inspired by his uncle's wish many years ago, 9-year-old Seb ran 14kms in the City2Surf and raised $1180 for future wishes.
2010 wish inspires Seb and Sarah
As 9-year-old Seb and his mum Sarah tackled the Voltaren City2Surf annual 14-kilometre fun run, their thoughts often turned to one man.
That man was Richard, Sarah’s brother and Seb’s uncle, who faced and beat childhood cancer.
Richard’s wish to go on a trip with his family was granted by Make-A-Wish in 2010.
So, in honour of his wish, Seb and Sarah joined Team Wish and pounded the pavement last weekend to raise money for Make-A-Wish.
Team Wish, which takes part in many fundraisers Australia-wide, raised almost $3000 to give life-changing wishes to sick kids.
Seb, all by himself, raised $1180 and smashed his initial target of $200.
The keen soccer player and gymnast came home from school one day talking about how the City2Surf is helping charities.
Sarah then sat him down and told him about Make-A-Wish.
“I explained what had happened with his uncle and the wish that he had,” she said.
“And I think just it really stuck with Seb that it was about giving sick kids something joyful.
“The joy component that is part of a wish really stood out to him.”
Running for wishes
Sarah said that although neither of them were runners, she estimated she and Seb ran about 12km of the 14km route.
“Grace from Make-A-Wish head office sent through a t-shirt with Make-A-Wish on it – and we added Seb’s name to it – and he just felt like he was representing the charity and he was really proud of himself,” Sarah said.
“We got one guy who was spectating shout out ‘Go, Seb!’ and I think that really perked him up for the last two or three kilometres.”
Grace from Make-A-Wish head office sent through a t-shirt with Make-A-Wish on it – and we added Seb’s name to it – and he just felt like he was representing the charity and he was really proud of himself
Seb's mum Sarah
Brother's wish 'life-changing'
Sarah said doing the run made her pause and reflect on the impact of Richard’s wish 16 years ago.
“Being a mum now, I realise how much my mum did for my brother while he was sick and for her to be able to go on that wish would have been massive,” Sarah said.
“It would have been really life-changing for her and just signalled the end of that really hard period of her life.
“And for my brother, I think the wish changed the path of his life, and we are just grateful that he's still around.”
