Daniel is 15, and for five years has been suffering from Optic Glyoma: a cancer that has created an inoperable tumour behind his eyes and gradually reduced his vision to about half a metre. Daniel attends a school for the visually impaired and uses a computer fitted with ‘talking’ software. Incredible recent advances in this kind of technology could not be accommodated on Daniel’s old computer, so Bestest donated $6,000 to buy him a new computer fitted with the latest software. Daniel is now able to keep up with all his schoolwork and has even found time to write a joke book, which he is hoping to have published.

John was an active boy from a Lebanese background, who excelled at football and dreamed of playing for a European team. He was bright and very social, with lots of mates and interests. When he was 10 years old he began experiencing jerking movements, and was diagnosed with Juvenile Parkinson’s. As the disease progressed his condition deteriorated. His movements are now so severe that he cannot walk unaided, feed himself, or go to the toilet alone. Even swallowing is difficult. Yet his mental faculties are that of a normal teenage boy - struggling to come to terms with what he calls “an old person’s disease”. John’s mother is a single mum with four kids to care for. Bestest has given John back a little of the independence he so desperately needs. He can’t control a wheelchair but $3,236 has bought him a special scooter that he can steer himself.