This year the six-year-old is using his birthday to raise awareness for a good cause.

On Saturday he will participate in Launceston’s Run For A Wish event and instead of gifts, he has asked his friends to join him in supporting children and teenagers facing life-threatening illnesses.

Now in its eighth year, the charity running event raises funds for Make-A-Wish Australia and Stuart’s mum Lauren said it was “heartwarming” knowing her son wanted to help. 

“We couldn’t decide on what to do for Stuart’s birthday this year,” Mrs Innes said. 

“We have participated in Run For A Wish before, so we knew what a worthwhile cause it was.

“Every year, kids’ birthdays just seem to get bigger.

“We didn’t think we needed to add another party to that, so we suggested the idea of combining fundraising and his birthday into one.”

Mrs Innes said at first Stuart wasn’t too keen on the idea of not getting gifts. 

But, after sitting down with his older brother Tim and reading about some of the sick children benefiting from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he changed his mind. 

“He slept on it and came to me the next day and said he wanted to help,” she said. 

“I get emotional talking about it now because it just makes me so proud. I really think there is a bigger lesson here about helping others.

“We are lucky to have three healthy kids, so it does put things into perspective.”

On Saturday, Stuart will be joined by his family and about 30 friends including classmates at Sacred Heart Catholic School.

Run For A Wish committee member Tamara Webb said the community had always gotten behind the cause, with about 400 people registered to take part. 

“This is an event that really resonates with people,” she said. 

“There are about 30 Tasmanian wishes waiting to be granted at the moment. 

“Previous events have raised up to $30,000, so if we can come close to that we will be very happy.”

Saturday’s Run For A Wish will take place at UTAS Stadium from 9.30am to 12.30pm and donations can be made through Everyday Hero.