Anthony Chester shares a hug with one of his favourite fishing buddies, his uncle. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community pride

Special wish for P.A. teen comes true

Jun 28, 2019 | 4:58 PM

Although 15-year-old Anthony Chester was unable to officially say thank-you, the smile on his face Friday afternoon was worth a thousand words.

Chester, who struggles with a severe nervous system disorder, was gifted a new boat thanks to Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan and Rally Motorsports. Anthony’s father Kyle fought back tears as he showed his son the boat.

“I thought I was going to be able to control myself, but I just couldn’t do it. With him fishing is his world,” he said.

Anthony Chester and his father Kyle touch the boat for the first time. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Mother Mirielle Chester said her son has difficulty speaking and also suffers from seizures as part of his struggle with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, but appears to forget all that when he picks up a fishing rod.

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“It’s like the one thing he doesn’t struggle with, like he gets in a boat and that’s his happy place,” she said.

Mirielle expressed her gratitude to all the groups involved in the gift. She explained her son has already overcome so much, and she just enjoys being able to see him smile.

“Even though [the doctors] said he may never walk, obviously he’s got no issues with that. He runs around like crazy,” she said with a laugh.

Peggy Ganton and Peggy Kugler from Prince Albert Royal Purple Elks were on hand for the presentation, along with Allyson Toye from the Make A Wish Foundsation and Jed Fletcher from Rally Motorsports. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Allyson Toye, regional manager of Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan met with the Chester family last October. Toye said every child approved for a wish gets the opportunity to make three wishes.

“Anthony just kept saying to me ‘fishing, I want a red fishing boat,’ so Anthony got his red fishing boat today,” she said.

The average wish can cost $10,000 and in most cases involves some sort of travel. Toye said she was very proud to be there in person for the gift presentation Friday.

“It’s both magical and heartwarming to be able to be here and see the smiles on the kids’ faces and the tears in the parents’ eyes. I have the best job ever,” Toye said.

Jed Fletcher, general manager at Rally Motorsports, said he was very proud to be able to help the family.

“Anything you can do to help in the community, we love doing,” he said.

Representatives from the Prince Albert Royal Purple Elks were also on hand for the presentation Friday. The group donated $500 to the cause.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell