How a little boy's obsession with trains helped him through his cancer treatment

When Alec was eight years old, a trip to the dentist for his yearly check up changed his life forever.

His dentist noticed a lump in his palate and after a few tests, and the postponing of their highly-anticipated overseas family holiday, Alec was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of cancer ¨C Ewing sarcoma.

His dad Peter vividly remembers that terrifying time in their life. "I thought this can't be happening to our beautiful boy. It can't be happening to our family," he tells 9Honey Parenting.

READ MORE: 'Unthinkable' reason Casey's leg stayed 'puffy' after flight

Though Alec, who is now 14 and still in and out of hospital, has finally found a source of ?joy and hope that keeps him curious and keeps him going: trains.

Alec's obsession with trains ¨C specifically the Sydney train network ¨C ?started as a way to pass the time during his long hospital stays.

"The 13-hour surgery to remove Alec's tumour was the longest day of my life," dad Peter recalls. "Really really scary."

And since that surgery, there have been many more ?hospital visits, procedures, treatments and stays for Alec.

READ MORE: Chris Hemsworth reveals thoughts on daughter's acting career

So as a curious young boy, Alec used the time he had to himself to make up for lost time at school. ?This included reading, learning and watching whatever he could to keep his mind occupied and challenged.

"[He] spent a lot of time in the hospital while he was going through treatment. He missed a lot of school and time with his friends and his twin brother Troy," Peter says.

"During his long stay's, Alec spent time on his iPad to help break up the monotony. This is where he started to watch videos of trains in Sydney."

As a steam-train enthusiast himself, this excited dad Peter as he was keen to share his passion with Alec and find a common hobby.

READ MORE: Singer's toddler rushed to emergency after dog attack

His interest in trains has led him to set a goal to one day be well enough to drive his own train.

"He came up with the idea during some of his lowest moments, and his wish gave him something really great to look forward to when life seemed bleak," Peter explained.

?Thankfully, with the help of Make-A-Wish Australia, Alec was able to achieve his goal not too long after setting it.

It was an experience dad Peter says he and the family will never forget.

"He still thinks about his wish every day. It was overwhelming the amount of effort Make-A-Wish Australia and Sydney Trains put into making it come true."

In an attempt to go above and beyond what Alec was asking, the Sydney boy's 'Wish Day' was jam packed full of train adventures. ?

READ MORE: Everything to know about cult skincare brand loved by the stars

"Alec alongside his twin brother Troy and a bunch of his friends from school boarded the 'Alec Express' train and spent time in the driver's compartment as the train went all over Sydney."

The group treated to a private ride over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and into Central Station. It was a special day that took months to put together but was worth every minute. ?

Peter explains how important it was for Alec to be able to spend the time with his brother and friends after missing so much.

READ MORE: Samsung enters the EOFY sale with huge deals

"Dealing with all the treatments made him feel like crap and because of the effects he just really didn't have any effort to interact with Tro?y," he says.

On the day Alec also received his own train driver's 'licence' and keys to his own train. Two things he holds dear to his heart.

"When his life was bleak he had something to look forward to. ?We've forever grateful."

For more information on the Hungry Jack's Wishmaker campaign, please visit their site here.

For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

The greatest children's books of all time officially named

View Gallery