Make-A-Wish grants winter wonderland wishes
Every year, we have many requests from children whose wish is to go to Lapland and meet Father Christmas and his elves. This year has been no exception and we thought you’d like to read about five children who’ve recently returned from their fantastic trip.
Six year old Charlie from Twickenham lives with with a rare medical condition where the pancreas produces too much insulin, causing blood sugar levels to drop and leading to seizures.
Mum and Dad, Tracey and Darren, kept their destination a surprise until they were on the aeroplane. Charlie chose to go to Lapland because he quite simply loves Christmas! He used to want to go to reindeer school to learn how to be a reindeer and have a red nose, and in May this year he got all the Christmas decorations out and put a tree up in his room. He also has Christmas discos all year round and plays Christmas songs at them!
Tracey said: “It was the most special, memorable family time we have ever had together – none of us wanted to come home. The last time we flew, Charlie had to be taken off the plane and rushed into hospital so we haven’t flown since up until now. Having a team of wishgranters you can call upon should you need to is just brilliant.”
Dean, five and from Mold, lives with Neuroblastoma (cancer of the nerve tissues). Going to Lapland this year meant that the family could “build memories for future Christmases.”
Mum Jane said: “Myself and Anthony spent the whole time biting our lip, trying not to cry. The children’s faces were unreal; it was like witnessing true magic. Watching the children experience Lapland together, with no disappointments, just didn’t feel real; we simply couldn’t have asked for more.”
Eight year old Kaitlyn is from Wallasey, Merseyside, lives with a Brain Tumour and is blind. She was a bit overwhelmed when she met Father Christmas but made up for it by giving him a kiss just before she left!
Kaitlyn’s Mum, Sherry, said: “The aeroplane in itself was an experience for Kaitlyn as she’s never been able to fly before, but her favourite part was being able to play in the snow with other children...it was lovely to see her playing normally, throwing snowballs, as she doesn’t usually get to interact much with other children.”
Charlotte, also eight and from Altrincham, is figting Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Her favourite part of the wish was meeting Tricky Dicky the elf, because he’s cheeky!
Mum Angela said: “Charlotte couldn’t believe it when Santa knew that she had a dog, a cat, 20 rabbits and five brothers…it was utterly magical. The whole wish was really fantastic and so very much appreciated.”
Four year old Ben from Bristol lives with Neuroblastoma, cancer of the nerve tissues. During treatment he became very shy, so when he was offered a once-in-a-lifetime experience Lapland seemed like the perfect choice, in the hope that the magic of Christmas and meeting Santa would bring him out of his shell a bit.
Ben’s Mum, Sarah, said: “I think Ben’s favourite part of the trip was an elf called Tricky Dicky who kept throwing snowballs – Ben didn’t stop giggling at his naughty antics! The best moment for me was seeing Ben make a snowman then trample through it; it was like watching him in the snow last year before he got sick. It was amazing to see how much energy the trip gave him – he was still running around at 9pm, which is unheard of for him.”
