Wallacedale’s Tom Meade will be granted his wish from the Portland branch of Make-A-Wish Australia at the Branxholme Rodeo later this month.

Tom was unable to receive his first wish, which was to have a ute like his dad Robert drives, so Make-A-Wish Australia has asked ute owners to follow Tom and his supporters in their vehicles.

Before the rodeo, the 11-year-old will join his family and supporters in a walk from the Condah Hotel to Branxholme, with the utes following behind.

Tom has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which causes muscle degeneration. 

His mum Maize Meade said she was overwhelmed with the amount of ute drivers who had offered to come. 

“We will make it a day to remember,” she said.

“A lot of people we don’t even know are coming.

“It has been simply amazing. We want as many people as possible to come and meet Tom.”

Make-A-Wish Australia Portland branch president Gael Jaensch said Tom was a worthy recipient of a wish.

Mrs Jaensch said there would be a barbecue and a meet and greet at the Condah Hotel at noon before the drive/walk to Branxholme began.

“Come and have a sausage with him,” she said. “We can all get together with this little Aussie battler.

“He will be leading the way in his motorised cart.

“There will be a police escort as well.”

Tom is an honorary member of Victoria Police.

“So many people forget about our country kids,” Mrs Jaensch said.

“We have five wishes on the go at the moment.

“We are all volunteers. It is my passion. 

“If I can help anyone I will go above and beyond.”

The Branxholme Rodeo and Tom’s walk are on Saturday, March 29.