Six-year-old Charlie, who has an aggressive form of brain cancer called medulloblastoma, had his wish to become a magician granted by the charity Make-A-Wish UK. Charlie's parents made the heartbreaking decision to stop his treatment in September, meaning this Christmas could be his last.
His mother Amanda said: "To know we just have months left with Charlie is unimaginable. There aren't really any words to describe how it feels to know we'll be saying goodbye. But we're making every day count, making memories that we'll remember forever to celebrate our beautiful boy."
When Charlie learned he could have a wish, he asked to be a magician. On the special day, he performed a magic show with a local magician, dazzling his audience of friends and family. Amanda said: "Charlie and his younger brother have spoken about the magic show every day since. Being able to give him that opportunity to be a magician himself and just seeing him smile and laugh was so comforting."
Make-A-Wish UK has launched a Christmas fundraising campaign to help more critically ill children. CEO Jason Suckley said: "Critical illness brings the joy of childhood to an abrupt end but Make-A-Wish UK is part of a global movement that grants life-changing wishes that have the power to rescue the magic of childhood." The charity grants over 1,000 wishes each year but faces rising demand.
For Charlie's family, the wish created precious memories. Amanda added: "We couldn't have granted his wish without Make-A-Wish UK and those that support it. It's such a special charity for children like Charlie."
