Buzz and Woody bring Ben’s Disney dream to life!
Eight year old Ben Robinson from Biddulph near Stoke‐on‐Trent has had his dearest wish to meet Toy Story’s Buzz and Woody in Disneyland Paris granted by Starlight Children’s Foundation, the UK’s leading wish granting charity for children with serious and terminal illnesses. In May 2008, Ben was diagnosed with a life‐threatening condition called Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. To fight the disease, Ben has had to undergo three gruelling years of chemotherapy treatment and endless hospital visits. Ben has faced his illness and treatment with great courage and determination. His father Kingsley says, “Even though he has been through so much due to the treatment, he has rarely been without a smile on his face.” While undergoing treatment at City General Hospital in Stoke‐on‐Trent, Ben was referred to Starlight for a once‐in‐a‐lifetime wish. The brave youngster, who is described by his parents as a budding comedian with an infectious laugh, is a big fan of Toy Story. He hugely enjoyed all three films in the animation series and he has always longed to meet his heroes Buzz and Woody. For his Starlight wish, Ben chose to go to Disneyland Paris to meet his favourite Toy Story characters with his family. Ben’s father Kingsley told Starlight, “If Ben’s wish were to come true, I’m sure he would be lost for words. To see his smile and the excitement on his face would mean the world to his mum and dad.” The charity arranged for Ben and his parents Kingsley and Lerece to enjoy two days at the world famous resort at the beginning of January. On arrival at the theme park, the family checked in to the Sequoia Lodge, which is a magical forest lodge 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 Ben and his parents to make the very most of the resort during their stay. In addition to meeting his Toy Story heroes Buzz and Woody, Ben also met Mickey Mouse and the Chipmunks. He enjoyed a trip to Disney Studios, where he learnt how the films are made, and the Snow White and Pinocchio rides particularly. Ben also took great pleasure from taking his mum and dad on the Tower of Terror! After his wish, Ben wrote to Starlight and said, “I just wanted to say thank you for making my wish at Disney come true.” Information For more information, please contact Henny Breakwell at [email protected] / 020 7262 2881 # 231. 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, Starlight can assure you that 91p goes towards helping Starlight’s very ill children. 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. Patron: HRH Princess Alexandra
Starlight Children's Foundation PO Box 4267 Goring Reading RG8 0WY
Tel: 020 7262 2881 Fax: 020 7402 7403 Email: [email protected] Website: www.starlight.org.uk
Charity Reg Number: 296058 Registered in England and Wales Company Reg Number: 2038895