Dream Come True for Disabled Girl

Amy Sheath, aged 5, from Gosport in Hampshire, has had her dream of being a princess come true at Disneyland Paris with the help of Starlight Children's Foundation, the UK's leading wish granting charity for children with serious and terminal illnesses.

Amy Sheath, aged 5, from Gosport in Hampshire, has had her dream of being a princess come true at Disneyland Paris with the help of Starlight Children's Foundation, the UK's leading wish granting charity for children with serious and terminal illnesses.

Diagnosed with severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy when she was just ten months old, Amy has difficulty communicating and walking. Despite these challenges, Amy's mum Sarah describes her daughter as "a very happy, loving and gorgeous girl, who is always smiling. She always wants to do the same as her friends and is very determined."

When Sarah heard about the ways in which Starlight helps poorly children, it was immediately clear what Amy's once in a lifetime wish would be. Sarah said "Amy loves dressing up and pretending to be a princess. She really loves the Disney princesses and especially Belle. She would love to meet her and be a real princess for the day."

Starlight organised for Amy and her family, including older sister Megan, aged nine, to go to Disneyland Paris for three days where they stayed in Sequoia Lodge, Disneyland's mountain lodge-themed hotel inspired by America's national parks. Amy was given the royal treatment in a private meeting with Belle, who gave Amy a number of special gifts, as well as meeting many of her other favourite Disney characters, including Cinderella and Mickey Mouse.

Mum Sarah said of the trip, "This has always been her dream and it was so wonderful to see it happen for her. We couldn't have asked for more and it made her so happy to have her wish granted. We are incredibly grateful to Starlight and its supporters for making the dreams of special children like Amy come true".

Starlight grants a once-in-a-lifetime wish 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.