Young cancer patient's dynamite wish to 'blow stuff up' goes with a bang

An elite police unit has helped a 12-year-old boy in remission from cancer to fulfil his wish to "blow stuff up".

Make-A-Wish, a charity which helps grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, joined forces with the Australian Federal Police to make Declan's dream come true.

The youngster, who was diagnosed with Leukaemia last year, wanted to do something risky and out of his comfort zone.

Declan's mum Belinda said: "What inspired Declan's wish was for him to do something different and something to take his mind off his illness."

His experience began with the AFP's close protection team transporting the youngster by motorcade to the specialist force's Canberra HQ where he was put through his paces in several police scenarios, including a hostage situation.

He was then driven to a training village in an armoured vehicle where he finally got to blow things up and trigger a number of explosions.

The weekend also included a meet and greet with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.

Sergeant Peter Murphy, of the specialist response group, said it was "a special opportunity for us to get involved with someone who is going through a tough time - and that's not only young Declan, but his family".

Declan's mum added: "You don't realise how important these wishes are until you are receiving one of them.

"The overall experience for Declan's wish has been amazing. It's beyond our expectations.

"He wanted to just blow something up and he did that which was awesome.

"This experience will affect Declan in a really positive way. I think he is going to have some really great memories.

"He can always look back on this and think of the good time that he had. He has enjoyed every minute of it."