Rosie’s Disney princess dream comes true Five‐year‐old Rosie Sanderson from Chacewater near Truro recently had her dearest wish to meet the princesses in Disneyland Paris granted by Starlight Children’s Foundation, the UK’s leading wish granting charity for children with serious and terminal illnesses. At just six weeks old Rosie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, which is a severe form of cancer that typically occurs in young children. As a result, Rosie had to undergo surgical procedures and a gruelling course of chemotherapy to remove the tumour. The treatment caused a number of side affects, such as a weakened right foot and reduced growth, which means that this foot is four sizes smaller than her left. She has endured years of surgical and non‐surgical procedures and also requires daily oral antibiotics. Although she has had a very tough start in life, Rosie has been immensely brave. Her mum Vicky says, “Throughout all of her treatment Rosie has remained cheerful, positive and accepting of the necessary treatment. Her resilience has made us extremely proud.” Rosie was referred to Starlight for a wish by one of her CLIC Sargent nurses and she was asked to decide what her dearest wish would be. Rosie loves dressing up as a princess and wearing her sparkly tiara and she has always dreamed of meeting her favourite princesses in Disneyland. To make her wish come true, Starlight arranged a magical trip for Rosie and her family just before Christmas. The family asked to go at this time especially as they wanted to celebrate Rosie’s first official ‘All Clear’, which was a wonderful milestone to focus on! Mum Vicky told Starlight, “Rosie has survived a traumatic and painful start to life, which none of us could ever have expected. She is an incredible little girl and it would mean the world to her and us to be able to celebrate her ‘All Clear’ by having her wish granted in Disneyland.” Before their trip, Starlight had provided Rosie and her little sister Mollie, aged 3, with Disney princess dresses so that they could really feel the part! The two little girls were accompanied by their parents Vicky and Neil on the adventure, which began with a trip on Eurostar that both Rosie and Mollie found very exciting! On arrival at the theme park, the family checked in to the Sequoia Lodge, which is a magical forest‐themed hotel with breathtaking views of Lake Disney. Just a few minutes from the park, the excitement and rides were only a short walk away, which enabled Rosie and her family to make the very most of the resort during their stay. The highlight of the trip for Rosie was getting to meet her favourite Disney characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. The family was even invited to a special lunch with the Disney princesses, which was the perfect occasion for Rosie and Mollie to wear their Disney princess dresses! Getting to meet their favourite Disney princesses was a dream come true and Rosie could hardly believe that she was having lunch with Sleeping Beauty! On their return, Rosie’s mum Vicky said, “We want to say a huge thank you to Starlight for organising our wonderful trip to Disneyland Paris. We all had the most fantastic time; one which we will always remember. When Rosie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma we dreamed of how we would celebrate her final ‘All Clear’, and what better way to do that than having breakfast with Mickey, Minnie and Friends and having lunch with the Princesses! “Rosie had the very best time and as we were walking down Main Street she kept repeating over and over that she couldn't believe her wish had come true! She was well and truly awestruck and engulfed in the magic of it all! Thank you to Starlight and its supporters for making this possible for us.” Information To refer a child for a wish or to make a donation, please go online at www.starlight.org.uk. For every £1 you donate, 93p goes towards helping Starlight’s very ill children. For more information, please contact Henny Vere Nicoll at [email protected] / 020 7262 2881 # 231. Starlight grants once‐in‐a‐lifetime wishes for seriously and terminally ill children, restoring the magic and fun of childhood and giving the whole family happy memories to share, whatever the future holds. Starlight also creates entertainment in every hospital and hospice throughout the UK. Sick children go to Starlight parties, laugh their way through pantomimes, go out on Starlight Escapes, play games and watch films on the Starlight Fun Centre, and enjoy the toys and puzzles of the Starlight Distraction Box. Happy children respond better to treatment and Starlight helps children to forget about their illness and simply have a bit of fun.