SERGEANT MAJOR MINOR
Brave lad’s dream comes true as he becomes soldier for the day and barks orders at parents
AN ARMY-OBSESSED boy too ill to ever enlist has had his wish granted to be a sergeant major for a day – and bark orders at soldiers on parade. William McLean was born with nephrotic syndrome, which means his kidneys leak protein, and has had one removed already. The Edinburgh five-year-old became fascinated by soldiers after passing the barracks in Colinton on daily trips to hospital. His dream is to join the Army but, with only one kidney, and probably needing a transplant or dialysis, that can never happen. But the Starlight Children’s Foundation did make his dream come true – after getting him enlisted for the day with his local regiment. He even got to bring his big sister Grace, six.
Last week, proud Private McLean joined the Scottish and Ulster Gunners (105 Royal Artillery) wearing his own specially made uniform.
He shot a paintball gun in target practise, used a computer simulator to drive a tank and marched squaddies and his parents round the barracks. Then he went to Edinburgh Castle to carry out the daily ceremony of firing the One O’clock Gun.
Yesterday, his mum Tracey Carroll said: “Starlight really did make his greatest ever wish come true. William saw the soldiers training and started saying he wanted to be in the Army to protect the country.”
William’s disorder causes swellings in his body. To manage his condition, he has infusions of protein and is tube-fed. In the last year, he’s had nine operations.
But despite his ordeals, the chatty schoolboy has talked of nothing else but being a soldier.
Tracey added: “He’s always had a smile on his face and has fought through every challenge like a solider.”
During William’s squarebashing stint, he ordered his parents to stand to attention so he could inspect them and took great delight in ticking them off for laughing on parade.
During the firing of the One O’clock Gun, William stood to attention as tourists took photos of him.
He then returned to barracks, where the Scottish and Ulster Gunners presented him with photos from the day and a remote-control car.
Tracey said: “William has always been my brave soldier, so it was very special to see his wish come true. He’s not stopped talking about it since.” ● Charity Starlight grant oncein-a-lifetime wishes for seriously and terminally ill kids. To donate, please go to www.starlight.org.uk.