A 12-year-old Australian boy who has been battling leukemia had his wish to “blow stuff up” granted over the weekend with the help of Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Make-A-Wish foundation.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Declan McLean-Pauley is in remission from leukemia and was able to spend a day with AFP’s Specialist Response Group at the force’s headquarters in Canberra to have his Make-A-Wish granted.
“My name is Declan, I’m 12 and my wish was to blow something up,” the boy said in a video highlighting his day.
The boy was treated to a police motorcade to start his day. Later, he took in a handful of training exercises that pretty much involved blowing up stuff.
“What inspired Declan’s wish I think was for him to do something different and something to take his mind off his illness,” the boy’s mom, Belinda, said in the video. “Declan has been pretty excited in the lead-up to today. He’s been telling all of our friends and family he’s going to blow stuff up.”
Declan participated in a mock hostage situation, used explosives to blow off doors from a training building and “breaching scenarios.”
“Being involved in something like this is a special opportunity for us to get involved with someone who is through a bit of a tough time, and that’s not only young Declan, but his family, so if we can do something to brighten their day or give them a happy experience, then we are more than happy to do that,” Sgt. Peter Murphy said.
The boy also had the opportunity to meet with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
“I think Declan was truly speechless, which doesn’t happen very often,” his mother said.
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