So, he signed up as a companion with Camp Quality.

“It’s really rewarding and exhausting, it’s very rewarding to be able to give the children life experiences they might not have otherwise, and get them away from the regime of hospitals and treatments,” he said.

Now he prefers to focus his efforts on fundraising, and is hosting the Armidale Camp Quality Support Group Giggle Disco in June.

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All of the funds raised go to supporting local families fighting cancer.

“This will be the seventh disco, we get a really good response,” he said.

“The kids love it.”

This year Minnie and Mickey Mouse will make a special guest appearance, and Mr Wratten is looking forward to raising money for a charity that means so much to him.

“Camp Quality provides respite for the families, there’s a bond you form with the child you’re looking after and their family, and the bond you form as part of the wider camp quality family,” he said.

“Everyone there is committed, you earn friendships for life.”

The Camp Quality Giggle Disco is on at the Armidale City Bowling Club on Friday June 8 from 6 to 7:30pm.

Tickets are $8 per person with drinks and snacks available.