A YOUNG girl from Dunfermline has had her Disney dream come true thanks to Make-A-Wish UK.
Aila Stafford, now four, was on holiday in Mexico when she was rushed to hospital with a fever and lethargy. After eight days in hospital in Edinburgh on their return, she was diagnosed with malignant tumours and germ cell cancer when she was just 14-months-old.
Earlier this month, she travelled down to Staffordshire's very own Enchanted Manor for an immersive Disney experience for critically-ill children.
Lynsey, Aila's mum, said: “After all the treatment Aila had, she was left with no immune system and was gravely unwell. The whole experience left us in a riotous place.
"The trauma, emotion and fear still absolutely haunt our dreams now but we just focus on trying to give our children the best and most loving experiences we can. We find it terrifying to think ahead and instead just focus on leading a simple life and enjoy what is directly in front of us which is why this Wish event has been so special for us.
"We’ve spent lots of time watching Disney movies so having this brought to life in front of our very eyes was brilliant."
The event was held at Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire and was a collaboration from Make-A-Wish, the Walt Disney Company and the Kentown Wizard Foundation, a charity with the focus of having a positive impact on children and young adults with life-limiting conditions and disabilities.
Alongside other Make-A-Wish families, Aila and her family had the opportunity to experience a range of Disney activities, including a Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends picnic, the Jedi Training Academy, a Mickey and Minnie bedtime story, a Frozen Sing-Along, a Marvel Training Initiative with some special Marvel guests, and Story Time with Belle in the Grand Ballroom.
Celebrities also joined in the fun; actor and musician Matt Willis, model and TV star Millie Mackintosh and TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Helen Skelton all helped the kids experience the Disney magic.
Make-A-Wish UK's chief executive, Jason Suckley, said: "Over 60,000 children in the UK are living with a critical illness and may not be able to travel abroad due to the limits of their condition – or because they tragically may not have long left.
"We’re absolutely delighted that over 200 children have had their wishes come true by experiencing the magic of Disney right here in the UK, providing light and joy right when they and their families need it most. We are extremely grateful to Disney and to the Kentown Wizard Foundation for making this event possible."
To find out more about how wishes have a life-changing impact on the whole family, visit make-a-wish.org.uk or follow the charity on social media @makeawishuk.
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