Driving a train is a dream come true for Matthew
A CYNON Valley boy who was born with a rare disorder has fulfilled his dream to drive the Hirwaun coal train.
Matthew Sanigar, 11, from Penywaun, was diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disorder at birth, and suffers from a variety of problems including complex heart defects, hearing loss and developmental issues.
He has always wanted to pilot the coal train that travels up the Cynon Valley to Hirwaun, and his wish recently became a reality thanks to Starlight Children’s Foundation, the UK’s leading wishgranting charity for children and young people with serious and terminal illness.
Matthew – described as a very happy boy who loves gardening, animals and horse riding – adores all forms of transport and has hundreds of toy cars and trains.
But his favourite means of transport is the local coal train, and from a young age Matthew looks out everyday for the train to pass by so he could count the wagons.
So when Matthew was referred to Starlight for a wish he knew exactly what he’d ask for – to drive the Hirwaun coal train!
Tower Regeneration Limited, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd and RWE Generation UK all worked together to help Starlight arrange the magical day Matthew will never forget.
A very excited Matthew, mum Shelley, dad Paul, granddad Roger and grandmother Joyce were driven to the Tower Surface Mine site.
Matthew was given a personalised high visibility jacket, and looking very much the part he and his family were given a tour of the Tower Surface Mine where they saw the huge mining machines in action – and Matthew was given the unique opportunity to help drive the largest.
But the best was yet to come.
After watching the Hirwaun train being loaded with the final two wagons of coal Matthew was escorted into the cabin with his father, and prepared for departure with the Freightliner drivers.
Matthew’s face lit up when the train left and there were tears of joy as his family waved him off.
A welcome party gathered at Aberdare train station to await the arrival of Matthew’s train, including his consultant Dr Humphrey Okuonghae and liaison health visitor Lynne Estebanez from Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr.
Matthew’s teachers and classmates from Caradog Primary School also made a special appearance.
Shelley, Matthew’s mum, said: “I can’t thank Starlight enough, we’ve been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.
“You’ve made Matthew a very happy boy and it’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“Matthew loved every minute of his wish and everyone made him feel so important.
“I really can’t explain how much a day like this means to Matthew; it has made his life brighter and we’ll never forget it.”
Tony Shott, managing director of Tower Regeneration Limited, added: “We are honoured to be involved with Starlight and worked closely with our partners to give Matthew and his family a day he will never forget.
“We are delighted that we could play a part in helping Matthew fulfil one of his biggest wishes and would like to thank everyone involved for making the day so special.”
Matthew, who has always wanted to know where the train he’d so often seen pass his house ends its journey, was then given a tour of the RWE Aberthaw Power Station, near Barry.
He visited the main control room, saw the coal stock grounds and finally watched Matthew’s train unloading its coal.
To put forward a child for a Starlight Wish or to make a donation visit www.starlight.org.uk.
‘Matthew loved every minute of his wish and everyone made him feel so important...’ Matthew’s mum Shelley