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WILL Thompson knows how to put on a brave face when confronted with pain.
The 12-year-old has spent many years mastering the skill, having been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of eight.
Shortly after the diagnosis, Will was admitted to the Royal Children's Hospital for treatment.
While the condition is now manageable, Will developed central sensatisation.
The condition affects the part of his central nervous system associated with the maintenance of chronic pain, meaning Will is in constant agony.
"When you are in pain for a really long time and it goes away, it doesn't go away," he said.
"The brain can't turn off. It's my whole body. It's really, really bad pain."
Will has visited the hospital more than 20 times, the most recent being last week.
He said the RCH was more than just a hospital.
"The staff were good. There was a TV so you could watch it if you wanted. There was a button you could call if you wanted a nurse. There was a fish tank. There are meerkats. It's pretty big," he said.
Will is now being treated by the hospital's pain management team, who are helping him control his condition.
This year he started year seven at Bendigo South East College however his condition has caused him to miss many classes.
"The pain's probably as bad as it was but I have probably become more use to it," he said.
"I use to be very healthy and do a lot of running and was very active but it hurts too much now."
Today's Good Friday Appeal will raise money for the Royal Children's Hospital.
Funds raised go to purchasing new equipment, research and training for doctors.
Will encouraged people to donate to the appeal, whether big or small.
"It doesn't just help kids, it helps them discover new treatments, older people too not just kids," Will said.
"It's a great hospital and does a lot of great things."
