Archer’s beach dream fulfilled by South Maroubra Nippers
AT just six years of age, Archer Irwin has battled through more pain and hardship than most have in their entire lives. But on Saturday his wish to become a South Maroubra nipper came true.
Southern Courier
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AT just six years of age, Archer Irwin has battled through more pain and hardship than most have in their entire lives.
Born with a genetic condition called alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, Archer has suffered through 23 hospital admissions in less than two years and is currently on the transplant list for his lungs and liver.
But that doesn’t stop the stoic young fighter from dreaming big.
Archer is a huge fan of The Nippers TV series on ABC and on Saturday his wish to become a South Maroubra nipper came true.
Joined by the stars of the show, Archer became an honorary member of the club, hitting the surf as he had always dreamt of.
“He had just the most amazing day,” mum Nikki Owens said.
“We don’t get to do many special things like that because he is limited in his travel and also in the activities he can do.
“He’s currently got a break in his spine, brittle bones and he could barely walk by the end of it but he wouldn’t let me carry him.”
“Letting him be a nipper, just for a day, it’s extremely special what they did.”
Mrs Owens said she and her family, who live in Albury-Wodonga, had never been involved with a nippers program, so they were overwhelmed with the generosity of spirit from the families and kids alike.
“I just phoned to see if we could watch them for a day, but the club literally went well and truly above what we expected. It wasn’t just the kids, it’s a reflection of the parents and club as a whole.
“It was very warm and inclusive and I can see why it’s a successful club.”
South Maroubra SLSC director of youth development Marcelo Garay said the club was happy to spoil such a deserving fan.
“We had a really good opportunity to help someone, someone who was in love with our nippers,” he said.
“It was quite fortunate that 90 per cent of the kids in the nippers show could attend the meet and greet and spend time with Archie.”
Follow Archie’s story at facebook.com/archersalphaangels