I wish to drive a steam train

Wish Child Jasper lies in his hospital bed

Five-year-old Jasper from New Zealand was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2023. He had to stay in hospital for nearly five months. The once energetic little boy had become exhausted from treatments and couldn’t play with his brother.

Jasper has loved steam trains since he was very little, so he decided that his wish was to drive a steam train.

In the lead up to his wish, transport-obsessed Jasper got a special tour of the police and air support training unit. Then he got to fly around Auckland in a helicopter, marvelling at the views from above.

When the day of his wish finally arrived, Jasper and his family had a VIP tour of the Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

They travelled to the end of the railway line where Jasper was surprised by a steam train! He got to toot the steam train’s whistle and ride up front with the driver – helping him control the train!

Wishes like Jasper’s have been shown to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being for children with critical illnesses and their families. But we can’t make wishes come true without the support of people like you.

Wish Child Jasper looks out the window of a steam train