A BRAVE Wirral teenager had his wish of owning his very own Starlight Fun Centre granted thanks to a leading children’s charity.

Thirteen-year-old Stephen Loraine from Prenton dreamed of owning the unique-robot shaped mobile entertainment unit, something that Starlight Children’s Foundation – a charity for children with serious and terminal illness – was only too happy to make come true.

Shortly after Stephen was born he was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy. He also suffers from general development delay, severe learning difficulties, visual impairment, gastro-oesophageal reflux, diabetes and epilepsy.

He is immobile and uses a manually operated wheelchair to get around but despite the challenges he faces on a daily basis, Stephen is a happy, smiley boy who brings joy to everyone he meets.

In addition to granting wishes, Starlight also offers entertainment for poorly children in hospitals and hospices.

As part of this, the charity has provided children’s wards across the country with Starlight Fun Centres. 

Stephen had to spend time in hospital before Christmas and during his stay he had the chance to play on one of the fun centres – which are shaped like brightly coloured robots and incorporate a Nintendo Wii console, four Nintendo DSi’s, DVD/Blu-ray player, internet access and a flat screen TV. 

Ever since his stay in hospital, Stephen has wished for his own mobile entertainment unit and, when he was referred to Starlight for wish, it came as no surprise that his wish was for a Starlight Fun Centre for his bedroom.

Stephen’s dad Mark said: “Myself and my family can’t thank Starlight enough for granting Stephen his wish as he is now able to play on the Fun Centre with the rest of his family and this is now pretty much part of his daily routine enjoying time with his brothers and sister and also his nephews. 

“It has added greatly for giving him a little bit of independence as he can watch cartoons all day and night now and doesn’t have to watch the soaps with his mum. 

“Again from Stephan and his family a big thank you to Starlight for adding something to our son’s life.”

To refer a child for a wish or to make a donation, visit starlight.org.uk