So a one-hour cruise around the Hastings River while sitting behind the controls of a Marine Rescue vessel is going to take some beating for number one spot on his highlights reel.

During the week, the inspirational Port Macquarie teenager received news regarding "disease progression" which provided him with the opportunity to start a bucket list.

Featuring high on that list was a trip with the Marine Rescue crew, so it's little surprise the fun around the river on March 10 was met with a smile that lit up his face.

It provided a much-needed distraction.

"I've driven a little boat before, but not like this; it's really, really fun and when it goes really fast it's so cool," he said.

"I was thinking of just (doing) one of the river cruises, but this is way cooler."

He has also had a dolphin encounter and fired an arrow or two at the archery course in recent days.

When South Sydney Rabbitohs star Adam Reynolds visited the teenager last month you start to see how much of an impact the teenager has had.

And on who.

Mum Nyky Napier-Reynolds continues to be "blown away" by the strength and resilience of her son who simply refuses to give up.

"He's an incredible young man who inspires people every day," she said.

"He has shown that he can shine like a star in the face of adversity time and time and time again.

"Even after this hiccup this week, he hasn't put his head down and said 'woe be tired me', he picks himself up and gets on with it.

"We won't focus on the other stuff, we'll do what we can and have some fun and create some memories."

Ms Napier-Reynolds said the news during the week was unexpected.

"We weren't expecting it, but his oxygen saturation levels aren't as good as they were and on x-ray and CT they found that there was some disease progression," she said.

"The amazing resilience and strength that he shows meant he came home that afternoon and started a bucket list of things he wants to do."

His message is clear - make the most of every opportunity.

Ms Napier-Reynolds said everyone should make their own bucket list.

"I gather so much strength from him and what a young man he is," she said.

"He truly is inspirational and I'm very proud of him.

"He can't wait for his (learner's licence) so he's been out practising on the water and that's a new skill set he's now got which is great."

The family also wanted to thank everyone for the help and support they have received from the community along the way.

"Marine Rescue have gone well out of their way to allow Jake to have this experience and it's wonderful, absolutely wonderful.

"We know what they do when we hear the rescues, but it really is incredible what they're doing and it's been great to be a part of that today and see what they do."

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