Iuestyn meets Santa on his VIP trip to London

A SERIOUSLY ill schoolboy from Bridgend took part in a VIP trip to London which included a tour of the House of Commons.

The Dreams and Wishes charity took Iuestyn Bassett, five, and 14 other seriously ill children to the House of Commons and 10 Downing Street for a tour of Prime Minister Theresa May’s home.

All of the children are being treated at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

Chairman of the charity, Tony Curtis, said: “I have been doing this trip each year for the past 25 years. As usual, the children and their families were just absolutely amazing.

“Events like today are things that we will never forget and they are really treasured memories.”

The group also had lunch with the Speaker John Bercow MP and the Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns.

Six Welsh Guards in full ceremonial reds escorted the children during the trip, where the group were allowed to sit around the cabinet table in Downing Street and visit the State Rooms where the Prime Minister often entertains guests.

Mr Curtis said: “It was a magical day and very much worthwhile.

“When you think these are all children who are unwell, they were incredible. They behaved themselves remarkably.”

Father Christmas joined the group in the House of Commons where Mr Cairns handed out presents.

The children were also read a story written especially for the charity from a book by Cardiff author Wendy Hobbs called Claudia’s Special Wish.

“The children were amazing. They were mesmerised by this book. The adults were noisier than the children, and I ended up having to tell them to be quiet,” Mr Curtis joked.

“It really couldn’t have gone smoother.

“They were mesmerised by Mr Bercow and the whole setting of the House of Commons. He gave such a wonderful welcome.

“You just cannot beat times like these. These children go through horrendous times in hospital, but we created so many lovely memories there.”

Mr Curtis said he would be organising the trip for a 26th time next year, adding: “Fewer than 1% of the country has been able to do this tour, so I’m so pleased I am able to give the children this experience.”

“The children were incredible and they behaved themselves. The adults were noisier – I had to tell them to be quiet!”