A BRAVE little boy from Bosbury with a serious illness has been granted a once-in-alifetime wish.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation has allowed James Hawkins to swap a hospital bed for a berth on the Aegean Sea.

The eight-year-old was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2007 and has undergone intensive treatment.

Starlight, which grants wishes to seriously ill children, offered one to James after learning of his life-threatening condition.

They granted his wish of a Greek island cruise with his family and arranged a sevenday trip aboard the Pearls of the Aegean.

James went with his parents and two sisters on the exciting voyage, stopping at Athens, Crete and popular islands including Mykonos.

His mother, Katie, thanked Starlight for giving a wonderful time to her “fantastic, brave little boy who loves to entertain”.

“We all had an amazing time and everything worked well,”

she said. “The ship was fabulous and the staff were beyond helpful.

“Jamie had the most fun of any eight-year-old boy and is now a firm and ardent Starlight fan.”

Starlight also provides entertainment to sick children in every UK hospital and hospice.

To refer a child or to make a donation, call 020 7262 2881 or visit starlight.org.uk.