Special boy: (left) Talin with mum Cassandra manages a smile as he is entertained by a performer at his carnival-themed party and below, (far left of picture) near his cake with the assembled guests. Pictures: JettyBlue Photography
THE rain could not dampen the fun at a carnival-themed birthday party held at Gymea Bay Public School on Sunday for Talin Hawkins.
Talin, 5, was diagnosed with a rare, inoperable brain stem tumour around Easter after he collapsed at school.
Given just weeks to live, his mother, Cassandra, and supporters set up a Facebook page, Talin's Wish, and organised the party to celebrate his sixth birthday later this month.
Organiser Mieke Simpson thanked the community for donating all the items to make the party a success.
The birthday boy arrived in a stretch Hummer and was met by 220 guests, including his kindergarten classmates.
"They were all really excited to see him and Talin was happy to seem them too," Ms Simpson said.
She said Talin had especially enjoyed the petting zoo and train ride. "He really loves animals and he loves trains so the train ride was a favourite," she said.
She thanked the community for its generosity.
"We could not have asked for a better community," she said. "I doubt this sort of [generosity] could happen anywhere else."
She was especially grateful to the petting zoo for donating a rabbit that Talin took a particular liking to. On Sunday night a volunteer drove the rabbit, which Talin named Flowers, to the palliative care centre where he is staying.
Cassandra Hawkins yesterday gave her "heartfelt thanks" to everyone who helped make Talin's party such a success.
"He absolutely loved it," she said. "Although he cannot smile with his mouth I could see the happiness in his eyes."