Charity event is Marvel-lous
A BOY with a lifethreatening illness was transformed into his favourite superhero for the day.
Ollie Carroll, five, from Poynton, travelled from Old Trafford cricket ground on board his very own truck to made a grand entrance into Manchester’s city centre in front of hundreds of people.
Incredible costumes transformed Ollie into Spiderman and four other children into their superheroes.
Once in Albert Square the youngsters had to join forces to rescue Key 103 presenter Mike Toolan and the wish fairy, Sam Farmer, from charity When You Wish Upon A Star from the clutches of evil - in the form of Darth Vader and the stormtroopers.
And in true superhero style, good overcame evil.
The day was organised by Key 103’s Cash For Kids with the charity - which grants wishes to youngsters with lifethreatening illnesses.
As well as creating an unforgettable day for five special children, the event raised a staggering £100k to help more children have their wishes granted.
Ollie was diagnosed with Batten Disease last year. The condition will eventually leave him blind, unable to walk and not even be able to eat.
His parents Mike and Lucy Carroll are also coping with devastating news that their daughter, Ameila, three, has been diagnosed with the same condition.
Speaking after the superhero event Lucy said: “It was fantastic. We are so thankful that Ollie was given this opportunity. All the children who were chosen to be the superheroes truly are real life superheroes. These five children have been through more physically and emotionally in their short lifes than most adults and they still find the strength to smile.
“We would like to thank every single person who was involved in both the lead up and on superhero day itself.
“It was such a mix of emotions I don’t think we have ever cried so many tears in public before, some we cried for sad reasons, some for happy reasons.
As a family we will never forget this magical day, we can not put into words how much this day has meant to us.
Mike and Lucy set up the Ollie’s Army campaign to raise awareness of the disease, fund Ollie and Amelia’s care and raise money for Battens Disease Family Association (BDFA), a charity which supports families like the Carrolls.