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SNOW, Santa and a world champion boxer all came together to make a trip of a lifetime for these sick children at Christmas.
Super middleweight Carl Froch was close to tears as he met brave youngsters making an emotional visit to meet Father Christmas.
He says: “People say I’m a fighter but these kids are the real fighters. They are going through the worst times in their lives and being incredibly brave.”
Carl and his family joined children’s charity When You Wish Upon A Star for its annual trip to Lapland with some seriously-ill tots from all over the UK.
Children like little Lily Mai Bishop, five, from Worcester, who couldn’t wait to travel the snowy path through the forest near Rovaniemi, Finland.
Lily Mai’s mum Liz revealed the emotional story and bravery which led to her being invited on the trip.
“When Lily Mai had just turned three she fell over and banged her head,” she says. “We found out that she had an undiagnosed genetic syndrome and worked hard to help her still have a good quality of life. Then last year she was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. We were heartbroken.
Magical
“She might not see another Christmas so we decided to make this one really special for her, and When You Wish Upon A Star are an incredible charity.
“Coming to the real North Pole to meet the real Father Christmas is such a magical experience.
“Lily Mai might be in a lot of pain and in a wheelchair but she’s so determined and happy to be here.”
Sadly Lily Mai isn’t the only poorly child making the special journey.
Amelie Flatt, aged four, from Stotfold, B p h w M s m t t C g N t H t f c h t g b c s c w