Latest Wishes - Three very special Christmas wishes

Many children lie in wait by the chimney at Christmas just to catch a glimpse of Santa. Not so for three deserving children – they got to meet the man himself.

Rebecca, aged ten from Hampshire, Colin, aged 11 from Lanarkshire and Harry, from Norfolk and aged 14, were all treated to a special trip to Lapland with their families, courtesy of Make-A-Wish.

When Rebecca, who lives with Aplastic Anaemia, a serious disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce blood cells, was asked over a year ago what her wish would be, she could not think of one material item she would like to own for herself – all she wanted was something that the whole family could enjoy.

Rebecca was too ill to travel last year, but her wish was granted this Christmas when she was flown out for a winter wonderland adventure, along with parents Emma and Danny and siblings Duncan, Gracie, Euan and Stella.

Colin, who lives with Adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare genetic disorder that causes brain damage and adrenal failure, was flown out with his mum Aileen, his dad Grant and his brother Scott, whilst Harry, who is deaf and fighting an acute gut disorder called Short Bowel Syndrome, travelled with his parents Katherine and Barry and his brother Alex.

On arrival in Lapland, the children and their families were kitted out in thermal clothing and whisked to log cabins where they sat down to a welcome feast in anticipation of the forthcoming activities.

The next day, they got to meet Rudolph and his reindeer friends on their farm, where they were issued with Reindeer Driving Licences enabling them to steer the sleigh.

They were also treated to a snow safari and a speedy Siberian husky sled-ride..

The trip’s highlight came on Saturday when the children got to hunt for Santa’s house through a winter forest wonderland and meet the ruddy-nosed man himself.

In 2010, around 1,000 children will turn to Make-A-Wish to have their special wish granted. We need to raise £5 million this year in order to continue granting these magical wishes. Please help us to grant more magical wishes by making a donation today