For one day, the discomfort and nuisance of dealing with her lifelong health condition was put on hold for five-year-old diabetes sufferer Faith Robinson.
The brave West Pinchbeck youngster was one of 90 children with terminal and life-threatening illnesses taken on a magical trip to Lapland, thanks to charity When You Wish Upon A Star.
The opportunity arose through Diabeteenies, the support group which Faith’s mum Gemma runs. The group has just been granted three places each year on the annual trip, so all of the youngsters currently in it will be able to go at some point.
This year, the lucky ones were Faith and fellow Pilgrim Hospital patients Oliver Carr and Mackenzie Miners (both 6 and Boston residents). Their mums accompanied them.
The group flew from Humberside last Wednesday.It was only at the airport that the three youngsters were told where they were going.
Gemma said: “Faith was really excited. She couldn’t believe it and going on a plane too was a bonus!”
A host of celebrities including former Coronation Street star and Loose Women panellist Denise Welch and Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara, accompanied the group, pulling sledges and helping to make the day an unforgettable experience.
The group had two hours in The Enchanted Forest – described by Gemma as a “massive Center Parc” – with fun including reindeer and husky sleigh rides, and snowmobiles.
Faith, Oliver and Mackenzie were able to tell Denise about Type 1 diabetes over lunch. And the star got an insight into the condition’s demands when Oliver had a severe hypo.
Faith’s insulin pump is on her back and attached to her 24/7 via a cannula.
Gemma said: “The diabetes was really hard to control. She gets really high with excitement so I had to manage that closely.”
After lunch, Santa arrived with Rudolph. Faith’s dad Paul was able to watch a live internet stream of her meeting the big man.
After exploring Santa’s village, it was time to head back to Britain.
“Faith was full of excitement when we got back and told Paul that she had seen the real Santa.”
Gemma’s only regret was that Paul and their other child, Casey (3), were unable to go on the memorable trip too.
She said: “When You Wish Upon A Star do amazing things for children.”
Over the past three years Gemma has raised £37,000 for the charity Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation with October balls held in Spalding.
