Bailey can mow-mow now, just like his Poppy
When Bailey got his lawn mower licence, all his dreams came true. Bailey loves gardening with his Poppy so much, he even walks around making ‘whipper snipper’ noises at kindy!
Meet Bailey
Bailey, 6, was diagnosed with Langerhan cell histiocytosis, which makes physical strength an issue.
As an imaginative and creative little boy, he never let his illness get in the way of helping his Poppy ‘whipper snip, blow and mow’ around the garden.
Bailey loves gardening with his Poppy so much; he even walks around making ‘whipper snipper’ noises at kindy.
He has his own mower, but his illness has made it harder and harder for Bailey to move it on the grass and keep up with his Poppy.
I like my mow mow because it works on the grass. I wished I had one, and my dreams came true.
Bailey
Poppy power
When Bailey was asked what he wished for, he knew what he wanted right away - an electric, ride-on lawnmower to follow in his idol's tyre-treads (AKA footsteps).
In the weeks leading up to his wish, Make-A-Wish volunteers delivered Bailey his provisional lawnmower licence, with an official groundskeeper outfit, plus a matching outfit for Poppy.
Then one day, Bailey had a surprise visit from the local police. They were there to deliver his full lawnmower licence – and take him for a police car ride while they were at it.
Returning home, Bailey discovered that his wish had come true - his brand new ride-on electric mower stood idling.
"I like my mow mow because it works on the grass. I wished I had one, and my dreams came true," he squealed.
Mowing forward
As you can see watching Bailey's video, he absolutely loves his mower. And he loves that he gets to mow just like his Poppy, too!
Bailey's Wish Journey marked the end of a particularly gruelling 14-month treatment period to combat his illness and helped shift Bailey’s focus. He realised that something he previously thought was impossible was actually possible.
Now, he’s finally able to mow the grass again, by himself, next to his Poppy.
Bailey’s wish has helped take the focus off the not so great memories of this past year and has brought him so much joy and happiness.
Carla Bailey's mum
Help more life-changing wishes come true
There are 800 kids like Bailey on a Wish Journey in Australia right now. We rely on the generosity of donors, volunteers and local communities to make it happen.
The Wish Journey
How a wish comes to life
Make-A-Wish volunteers visit each child to capture their greatest wish, getting to the heart of what kids truly want and why. This profound insight is part of what makes Make-A-Wish unique, giving children full creative control and helping to shape their entire Wish Journey.
Back at Make-A-Wish HQ, we partner with families, volunteers and medical teams to design the ultimate wish experience - and start rallying our partners and supporters to help make it happen.
In the lead up to the wish, we take each child on a journey designed to build excitement and provide a welcome distraction from medical treatment. Anticipation can be incredibly powerful, helping to calm, distract and inspire sick kids at a time they need it most.
When the moment finally arrives, children get to experience their greatest wish come true - it's everything they've imagined and more. Pinch yourself, and don't forget to take a breath and enjoy every precious moment!
Wish impact studies show that a child's wish lives on, long after the moment. A wish gives more than just hope – with an incredible and lasting effect on the lives of sick kids, their families and wider communities.
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