This is Hamish.

He is 14 years old.

Hamish is funny, sincere, intelligent and quick-witted - a loyal friend and deeply compassionate soul. He has a passion for marine life and could give David Attenborough a run for his money. A details person through and through, Hamish is the go-to for Star Wars (and every spin-off), Manga, natural history and the facts you didn’t know you needed. The Australian Cricket Team and Western Bulldogs have his heart, and his sense of humour is fuelled by many comedians like Kitty Flanagan and Gabriel Iglesias. He is resilient, courageous, and gives the warmest, most heartfelt cuddles.

On Hamish’s 13th birthday in August 2024, what should have been a day of celebration became the beginning of an unimaginable journey.

Hamish experienced a sudden onset of acute migraine symptoms. Within twenty-four hours, Hamish and his family were facing an urgent MRI scan, a sixteen-hour brain surgery, and a devastating diagnosis: Medulloblastoma, a Stage 4 malignant brain tumour.

Hamish began intensive treatment immediately. Over six weeks, he underwent daily chemotherapy and radiotherapy between the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne - both world-class leaders in paediatric cancer care. Hamish was one of the first patients at RCH to receive this treatment protocol.

In the six months that followed, Hamish endured further chemotherapy and multiple blood and platelet transfusions. In June 2025, his family received the news they had been hoping for: a clear MRI and his overall status as 'complete remission'. After an intensive inpatient rehabilitation at RCH - Hamish "rang the bell" - in the presence of his family, specialists, acute and allied health teams. Ringing the bell represents a significant milestone, symbolising the end of treatment and a return to 'pre-Cancer life'.

Devastatingly, less than three months later, in September 2025, Hamish relapsed. His MRI revealed new brain lesions and metastatic disease in his spine.

Hamish’s treatment is ongoing - with a return to both Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Children's Hospital.

Hamish is deeply loved by his parents, 16-year-old sister Anabelle as well as family, friends, school community and an army of supporters. As Hamish’s primary carer, Jess, his mum and a single parent, has been unable to continue working in her education leadership role. After 17 months of fierce independence, she has exhausted her leave entitlements to be by Hamish’s side - at appointments, during hospital stays, and through every uncertain moment.

As this much-adored family faces profound uncertainty about the future, many family members, colleagues and loved ones have asked how they can help.

This is your opportunity to help.

Your contribution - no matter the size - will help relieve the financial pressure on this family, allowing Jess to focus on caring for Hamish and ensuring Anabelle is supported as she begins her VCE. Your support gives them something invaluable: time together, presence, and space to breathe, with some of the load carried by others.

Hamish, Jess and Anabelle are deeply grateful for any support you can give. Funds raised will help cover the loss of family income and the ongoing living and support expenses that come with long-term, intensive treatment.

The family also want to express their gratitude for the extraordinary care provided by Hamish’s medical teams at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Hamish has received, and continues to rely on, multiple blood transfusions and blood products. If you can donate blood or plasma through Lifeblood (Australian Red Cross), this too is a gift that is gratefully received.

Thank you for standing with Hamish and his family.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page is a powerful way to help.