Coby Willis was granted his wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the motorbike he received has helped him to speed to success ever since. By Glen Atwell
THE Make-A-Wish Foundation holds a special place in the heart of Coby Willis.
And, on the year that the foundation celebrates its 20th year of granting wishes, the 15-year-old Kooweerup motorcyclist is speeding towards success.
Coby has had many tough racing battles, but a foggy memory prevents him from remembering his most hard fought one – the battle for his own life.
Coby developed leukaemia when he was just two years old and endured two years of full-time chemotherapy treatment, a period of time his mother Lyn said was very taxing.
“It was a struggle, travelling to the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton three times a week, but we all made it through,” she said.
At the time, the Make-A-Wish Foundation supported the Willis family and kept Coby’s spirits in good shape.
“They gave him a four-wheel electric bike as a gift. It was called a ‘wish gift’.
“The foundation was terrific, it really helped Coby and all the family, it was great support,” Lyn said.
But it was on his eighth birthday that Coby’s wish came true, and even he admits he didn’t expect what was coming.
“I remember we had to go for a dinner, and the foundation gave me a KTM motorcycle,” Coby said.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes, it was great.”
Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Jehi, Coby has taken the enduro motorcycling circuit by storm.
“I won the Victorian off-road series this year, in the 13 to 16 125cc age group,” Coby said.
The win has earned Coby the right to race with the number one plate next year, when he hopes to compete in a New South Wales endurance series.
“My main goal is to go overseas and make a serious career out of riding, that would be great,” Coby said.
Coby celebrates 10 years free from the disease this year, and is one of 4000 people who have had their wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation over the last 20 years.
