Ryan Virgo is 18-years of age and battling cystic fibrosis, a chronic illness that affects the lungs and other internal organs.
Due to his illness, Ryan spends a significant amount of time in and out of hospital.
Despite living more than four thousand kilometers away in Mackay Queensland, Ryan is a passionate Fremantle Dockers Supporter.
When approached by the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Ryan’s only request was to meet his hero Nat Fyfe.
The charity group called on the support of the Fremantle Dockers Foundation to help plan a special surprise for a special young man.
The club were thrilled to be given the chance to deliver an experience that Ryan would never forget.
So Ryan’s wish began one Friday morning, when he and his family; mum Debbie, dad Mick and sister Courtney had a tour of Freo’s training facility.
Ryan was then presented with a Freo training kit, a new pair of footy boots and told he was required by Ross Lyon to join the team for training.
Once kitted up, he hit the track and was greeted by members of the playing list and coaching panel.
Ryan Virgo meeting Tommy Sheridan and Stephen Hill.
He spent much of the morning handballing and kicking to players, as well as stretching in the warm-up and running the players’ water.
Ryan Virgo and fan favourite Harley Bennell.
Ryan with Danyle Pearce, Michael Walters, Lachie Neale, David Mundy, Aaron Sandilands and Zac Clarke.
This was just part one of what would be a very special weekend for the Virgo family.
Ryan enjoying a much deserved drink break at Freo's main training session.
Ryan’s wish continued at Freo’s round 20 clash with the West Coast Eagles at Domain Stadium.
That Sunday, the whole family were greeted by Ryan’s hero, Nat Fyfe, who escorted them into Freo’s warm up rooms for an inner sanctum experience.
Mick Virgo, Ryan Virgo, Nat Fyfe, Debbie Virgo and Courtney Virgo pre-match.
It was a fantastic opportunity for Ryan to watch his team prepare for the hometown clash and talk through the ins and outs of the game with his idol.
Ryan Virgo and his hero Nat Fyfe after being interviewed by Fox Footy.
Ryan’s dad Mick said it was a weekend the family will never forget.
“We are really appreciative of how the club welcomed us,” Mick Virgo said.
“Freo has provided Ryan with a once in a lifetime opportunity, training with the players, running around with the coaches and seeing what happens behind the scenes”.
Ryan was almost speechless at the end of it all.
“Today was a whirlwind,” said Ryan.
“No words can describe how great Nat has been to me.
“Nat is a great bloke, my childhood hero and someone that I’ll continue to look up to.”
Ryan’s wish was made possible thanks to the Fremantle Dockers Foundation.
If you would like to become an official charity partner of the club, applications are now open.
