Spirits will soar

LIAM Gallo is in year 8 at Oak Flats High School. He enjoys sport especially soccer and hanging out with his mates. He seems a happy and friendly teenager, however Liam has battled leukaemia since he was diagnosed last year.

Maurie Baston is a local business owner who heard about Liams story and wanted to help.

In an effort to lift Liams spirits Mr Baston presented him with a mystery flight at a recent school assembly.

Liam said he was very excited to receive the flight.

He has spent the past six months out of school in treatment undergoing chemotherapy however has recently returned to school.

In his first weeks back Liam said the best thing is seeing all of his friends again.

School principal Glenn Isemonger has appointed four of Liams friends to act as mentors. These students play a role in keeping Liam safe. They have been taught what to do in case of an emergency and basically keep an eye on Liam, a role they would do anyway.

The hardest thing about being back at school is not being able to do sports, said Liam.

He has a central line from his heart for use in his treatment.

Liam estimates the line can come out in about a months time with doctors approval and then he can get back into sport and soccer again.

He described Mr Baston as a good guy.

His generosity is great, he said

Mr Batson said he heard of Liam through his involvement in the Beacon Foundation.

I wanted to do something to help so I gave it some thought and decided this was a good idea, he said.