Christmas wish granted

A HORSE-lover from Backwell has enjoyed the trip of a lifetime thanks to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Paige Brown, aged 12, was just nine years old when doctors found a tumour in her stomach and she went through two major operations, chemotherapy and suffered chronic nerve damage.

Throughout her illness Paige dealt with everything with courage and not a shred of self pity and it was her dream of having a horse of her own which got her through the darkest days.

As a special treat, the Starlight Children’s Foundation took Paige and her family to the 2010 London International Horse Show at Olympia and enabled Paige to meet some of the riders and horses backstage.

Paige was first referred to the Starlight Children’s Foundation three years ago. When asked by the charity what her wish was, she said: “Riding is my favourite thing to do in the whole wide world and my main wish is to have my very own pony.”

Starlight gave Paige her own pony in May 2009 and she named him Bailey.

Paige’s dad Graham said: “Paige’s illness meant that she missed out on a lot and the greatest part of having her wish for a horse come true has been the confidence and enjoyment it has given her.

“It made a huge difference to her life and to all of us as a family. Paige rides Bailey all the time and loves riding as much as ever.

“For Starlight to take us on a trip to Olympia today has just been fantastic. It’s been a great day out for our family and it has been worth it just to see the smiles on the kids’ faces.”