AS WE LAUNCH
SANTA’S full of ho-ho-ho but the truly joyous thing about this picture is the look of wonderment on the face of young Isobel Dawson.
Aged eight, she is visiting a grotto in Lapland for the treat of her life – after SIX Christmases spent in hospital.
Isobel’s two yuletides at home were wonderful – leaving mince pies for Santa and excitedly ripping open presents with sister Grace, 11.
The others were so much tougher – opening gifts and advent calendars while connected to a series of tubes.
Isobel was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was three and has spent years having gruelling treatment.
But now all of her Christmas wishes have come true, after she was whisked off on a magical trip to Lapland, complete with a visit to Santa’s grotto.
HIGHLIGHT
And Sunday Mirror readers can help give other children a wonderful memory too by backing our Christmas Appeal in aid of the Make-A-Wish UK charity – which helps dreams come true.
Isobel’s mum Louise, 44, says Lapland has kickstarted what they hope will be a festive season to remember.
She says: “Isobel has had the most incredible time. Meeting Santa was definitely her highlight.
“He had already received her letter so he read it back to her – she asked him for a Playmobil Pony Farm.
“She was so excited to meet him, it was really magical.
“And she loved doing her elf training. We played lots of games and sang with the elves, who were so friendly.
“She helped Santa dress up as a naughty elf in the messed-up post room, which was a lot of fun! The second most special thing was the husky ride – it was absolutely magical.
“The reindeer were beautiful. Isobel loves animals – we have a cockador dog named Winnie – so she was very excited. We also went out on snowmobiles, which was incredible. It’s like Isobel is getting all her Christmases back.
“For years, we have been desperate for her to have an amazing Christmas. Now finally we have.
“Thinking about it, the whole time in Lapland just seems totally bonkers, unreal – because it was so perfect.
“It has made her really excited for
Christmas, in a way she hasn’t been before. I remember her saying she didn’t get excited about Christmas. She knew other children were, but she couldn’t feel the same because she used to spend so much time in hospital.
“We’d rush home in between visits to decorate the tree and make things special for her, but she never really got to enjoy it. So this is an amazing dream
come true.”
Isobel’s struggle with leukaemia is ongoing and the family knows never to take anything for granted. But they hope she can be at home come December 25.
Louise says: “We’re just desperate for her to have a special Christmas. We always try to make it special for her in the hospital, with presents and tinsel and songs – but it’s just not the same.”
Isobel was originally meant to go to