A TERMINALLY ill eight-year-old boy has gone on the trip of a lifetime to see Santa in Lapland thanks to Northern Lights Children’s Charity.

William Magee from Prenton was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was just two years old.

Duchenne is a terminal disorder which is characterised by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness – symptoms usually begin during early childhood between the ages of three and five.

For Will from now and until he reaches 10 years-old he will no longer be able to walk and the rest of his muscles will deteriorate.

Heartbreakingly, William’s heart will fail and he will lose his fight against the condition.

After writing a list of just seven wishes many kind-hearted Globe readers stepped up to make them come true.

Wirral Globe:

Will with his wish list

However one wish was to go to Santa’s house in Lapland – somewhere his mum Kelly never thought he’d be able to travel to.

But with the help of children’s charity Northern Lights, Will was taken to Lapland on December 15 with 19 other children.

The children were picked up by coach in Neston after being treated to a performance from Batala Mersey drummers.

They then travelled to Doncaster before flying out with three nurses, one doctor and eight volunteers.

Once in Lapland, Will wrote a letter to Santa and enjoyed tobogganing before finding Santa’s log cabin surrounded by elves and presents.

The children were also treated to a 3km snow mobile ride through the trees.

Kelly told the Globe: “This is the 30th year Northern Lights have been taking children to Lapland.

“Will was so excited to visit Santa.

“He couldn’t believe it when he saw the ‘real’ Father Christmas.

“He took part in sledging, huskie dog rides and played in the show – something I never thought would be possible for him to do.

“It was one of those dreams that I didn’t think we would be able to fulfil for William.

“I am so grateful to Northern Lights for making his dream come true.”

A spokesman from Northern Lights said: “The trip to Lapland is over for another year and after thinking that this was a trip that might not have happened when Monarch ceased trading, the charity gives huge thanks to the staff of Perfect Getaways for helping them book this trip of a lifetime for the 20 children of 2017.

“A great bunch of children whose parents/carers should be very proud of their exemplary behaviour, go home with memories to keep forever and renewed vigour for life that helps so much in their fight against dreadful illnesses.

“Many thanks to everyone who has supported Northern Lights, especially in this their 30th Anniversary year, the donations have enabled this amazing trip take place.

“A huge thank you also goes to the Nurses and Doctor who accompanied them this year as well as the volunteers who travelled with the children, they worked very hard and enjoyed the whole experience.”

If you can help William achieve any of his wishes get in touch through his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/EndDuchenne/