Emmeline's Disney Wish is granted

A Girl suffering from a debilitating form of arthritis is overjoyed after going to Disneyland Paris - something she had always dreamt of.Emmeline Giles, five, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis in her feet, knees and ankles when she was just 18 months old.

Emmeline, a pupil at Holmesdale School, Reigate, is constantly travelling to London to have treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Her one wish was to go to Disneyland Paris as she dearly wanted to meet the "Disney Princesses".

Thanks to the Starlight Children's Foundation, which grants wishes of a lifetime to seriously and terminally-ill children and entertains youngsters in every hospital and hospice in the country, that dream came true.

Emmeline and her parents, Ronnie and Carol, were able to set off to Paris with their daughter. They spent an action-packed few days exploring the park, going on thrilling rides and, most importantly, meeting all of Emmeline's favourite Disney characters, including the princesses.

When the family arrived back home, mum Carol said: "Nothing better or more perfect could have been organised by Starlight, who really took Emmeline's dreams and brought them to life. She had a lovely time and won't stop talking about it.She is such a smiler despite the pain and the injections she must have."

Starlight pledges to grant once-in-a-lifetime wishes to suffering children, whatever the future holds. Parties and pantomimes are organised and the fun helps to ease the pain being endured by the unwell children.

Susie Nation-Grainger, from the charity, said: "Happy children respond better to treatment."

Further information about the charity can be obtained by visiting its website at www.starlight.org . uk or by telephoning 020 7262 2881.