YOU’RE IN THE ARMY NOW LAD
Brave Will, 5, joins up with heroes
AN ARMY-obsessed youngster got to bark orders at real soldiers on parade.
William McLean became fascinated with the armed forces after passing the barracks on daily trips to hospital.
The five-year-old youngster set his heart on joining the Army.
But he was born with a serious kidney disorder, and will never fulfil his dream.
The brave lad, who has nephrotic syndrome, has already had one kidney removed and faces a transplant or dialysis.
So bosses at charity Starlight Children’s Foundation made his wish come true for a day as he enlisted with his local regiment.
Proud Pte McLean joined the Scottish and Ulster Gunners (105 Royal Artillery) wearing his very own, specially-made uniform. He shot a paintball gun in target practice, used a computer simulator to drive a tank and marched squaddies and his parents round the barracks.
Finally he was taken to Edinburgh Castle to carry out the ceremonial firing of the One o’clock Gun.
Mum Tracey Carroll, from Edinburgh, said: “Starlight really did make his greatest ever wish come true. Every time we go to hospital we pass the Army barracks and at one stage William had to go to hospital four days a week.
“He would see the soldiers out on training and started saying that he wanted to be in the Army to protect the country.”
She added: “William wants to be a soldier when he’s older but sadly because of his condition this will never happen.
“He has always been my brave soldier, so it was very special to see William’s wish to be a soldier come true.”
Georgina Cox, William’s Starlight wish granter, said: “We’re delighted to have granted his wish.
“From start to finish, William made an exemplary soldier and we are so grateful to the Scottish and Ulster Gunners for helping to make this happen.”