A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy from Hereford had his dream come true when he was granted a trip to the big city after he was diagnosed with an advancing brain condition.
Sam Weale, who has been living with Adrenoleukodystrophy (a condition that affects the brain and adrenal function) was treated to a weekend in London, thanks to Hereford based charity Rays of Sunshine.
Before he was diagnosed in March, 2021, he could walk, talk, play and lived as a healthy young boy.
But his symptoms have rapidly affected his body and he can no longer walk, talk, drink, or eat and communicates by squeezing his family's hands.
It acts in a similar way to dementia, said his mother Sarah Weale.
This trip was important for the family so they could make memories together before his condition became worse.
"It is about making memories not just for Sam but for our daughter Bethan too," said Mrs Weale.
"We want to try and make his life as enjoyable as we can."
They experienced all the sights of the big city, with a two-night stay at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in Central London.
They visited the iconic London Eye and The Sea Life London Aquarium and went on the tube, something that Sam was keen to do.
"We had the absolute best time and the kids loved it," said Mrs Weale.
"We were able to be part of the remembrance service and saw the Prime Minister laying his poppy wreath. It was such an experience for them both. Sam loved the cannons going off, but Bethan wasn't so sure.
"The weekend has created some very special memories that we will treasure."
Sam had to leave school in December as seeing his friends play as he once did became too stressful for him.
But Mrs Weale praised Sutton St Nicholas primary school for their care and work to make his time at school the best it could be.
She praised Rays of Sunshine for its support as well as Alex TLC and the doctors and nurses who have worked to make Sam's life more comfortable for him.
For more information on Rays of Sunshine visit: https://raysofsunshine.org.uk/.
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