Diagnosed with cancer six years ago, eight-year-old James is now in remission and his biggest wish – a birthday party which included a footy match with the Adelaide Football Club – has just come true.
Nine months in the making, the Make a Wish Foundation called on the support of James’ beloved football Club, as well as Adelaide Oval and the SA Police Force to plan the party of all parties.
The highlight was a football match on the hallowed turf of Adelaide Oval involving James and his best friends and cousins against a Crows side which included Rory Sloane, Nathan van Berlo, Brodie Smith and James’ idol, ruckman Sam Jacobs.
The day started with a tour of an SA Police station where ‘Sauce Jacobs’ was waiting to surprise James. The pair then cruised around the streets of Adelaide in a police car before making a rock-star arrival at Adelaide Oval. James’ friends and family were there waiting below the huge Southern Plaza super screen emblazoned with a photo of James and the words ‘Happy Birthday’.
For the record James’ team won and he kicked two goals.