At just seven years old, Archie has already faced more challenges than most. Diagnosed in 2020 with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, he has spent much of his young life in hospitals and treatment. But earlier this year, Archie’s greatest wish came true: to experience snow for the very first time.

Archie dreamed of building a snowman, throwing snowballs with his twin brother Marty, and enjoying precious family time away from medical appointments. Thanks to Make-A-Wish® Australia and Barry Plant’s support, his dream became reality in August at Mt Hotham.

The moment Archie’s bus reached the mountain, his excitement was obvious.

“It was just that first glimpse of snow on the side of the road that made him so excited,” said his mum, Jodie.

Even though it was late at night when they arrived, Archie and Marty wasted no time putting in making the most of their first time seeing snow.

“As soon as we arrived, they put their boots on and were straight outside playing in the snow and having snowball fights even though it was 9pm at night,” Jodie said.

Over the next few days, the family immersed themselves in the snow. Archie and Marty learnt to ski, built snowmen and shared hot chocolates in what felt like a Christmas-themed winter escape.

“It was funny seeing Archie fly down the snowfield, and you just think holy moly, we are here because of Make-A-Wish, and you think to yourself how far we have come,” Jodie said.

As Archie neared the end of his treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Make-A-Wish volunteers visited to ask what his greatest wish would be.

“I wish to have a holiday at the snow,” Archie said without hesitation.

To build the excitement, volunteers gave him a countdown calendar that Jodie hung on the living room door. Each day, Archie and his twin brother Marty eagerly ticked off the numbers, watching their dream draw closer.

“Archie and Marty were just counting down every day, which was great to see,” Jodie said. “The wish took our minds off everything we had been through. It gave us something exciting to look forward to.”

To make the trip even more magical, Barry Plant provided thoughtful touches, including far too much hot chocolate powder, marshmallows and branded beanies delivered to the hotel, as well as a snow-themed LEGO set waiting for Archie at home.

“It is really awesome and they love it so much,” Jodie said.

For Archie, his wish marked the end of a tough chapter and the beginning of new memories.

“The wish took our minds off everything we had been through. It was something exciting to look forward to,” Jodie said. “Now we are in the post-treatment phase, those memories of hospital and treatment are starting to fade, and we are thinking about the fun things like the wish.”

This October marks 11 years of partnership between the Barry Plant Group and Make-A-Wish Australia. Every property sold in October contributes to granting life-changing wishes like Archie’s, helping create moments of joy and hope for children living with critical illness.

Wishtober 2025: Bringing Archie’s Snow Holiday Wish to Life!