Titanic experience fulfils young cancer patient’s dream

Nine-year-old Taylor Ward meets the pilot on his flight to Belfast A YOUNG boy fighting cancer for two years who dreamt of visiting the birthplace of the Titanic has had his wish come true.

Taylor Ward (9) was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at the age of seven. A rare type of cancer, it occurs mostly in young people and affects bones or the tissue around bones.

After months of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy and nearly a year in hospital, the Cheshire boy is now in main- tenance treatment. Taylor’s one wishwastovisittheTitanicmuseum in Belfast — the birthplace of his favourite ship.

His family turned to the MakeA-Wish UK charity, which helps to make children’s dreams come true.

Taylor is hooked on the story of the iconic ship, so last month thecharityarrangedforthefamily to enjoy a two-night stay at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast, a trip to the Titanic Belfast attraction, and VIP treatment.

When they arrived at the Titanic Hotel, staff had placed a red carpet for Taylor, and presented him with his own ‘Captain Taylor’ embroidered robe, waistcoat and name badge.

Taylor met the hotel chef and helped bar staff to make drinks.

On the last day, after Taylor had mentioned his love of the emergency services, a fire engine, police car and riot van were waiting to take Taylor for a ride.

Taylor’s mum, Sam Randles, said: “Taylor’s confidence grew on his wish — he became his own person again, laughing and joking with the hotel staff.

“After everything he’s battled through, he is soaring now. He even collected donations for Make-A-Wish at his little brother’s christening the other week, raising £122.

“It’s amazing to see him come out the other side.

“When you get a diagnosis like Ewing sarcoma, you don’t know what the future holds, and there were moments when I thought life would never be normal for us again.

“This has showed us that’s not true. This has been the best thing we have done throughout his whole treatment.”