For the little bundle of joy is marking his first birthday AND first Christmas on the wards of Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
Sadly many children will spend the big day in hospital. But your Daily Star is determined to make it as good as it can be.
As part of our charity appeal we’re inviting celebrity pals and big-hearted readers to bring some extra sparkle to the wards this December.
And it’s smiles all round as Westlife’s Kian, Nicky, Shane and Mark deliver big baskets of gifts for the little patients.
Shane Filan, 31, cuddles Ben, who has leukaemia, and gulps: “He’s such a happy fella – you wouldn’t know how poorly he is. It breaks your heart.
“I’ve three kids of my own and it’s always tough to leave them when we tour. Visiting Great Ormond Street, especially at Christmas, makes you see what a special place this is.”
Ben’s mum Angela Quadling, 36, of Sittingbourne, Kent, says: “To find your baby has leukaemia is the worst news.
But we’re thankful to be under some of the best care here.”
The excitement of the band’s visit to Elephant Ward was missed by sleeping beauty Rhianna Umpleby, three, from Basildon, Essex. Mum Lisa, 22, says: “We’re having a tough time of it today – we’ve just found out she has leukaemia.”
Nicky Byrne, 32, holds back tears as he admits: “Seeing this little girl just brings a lump to my throat – she was born on the same date and year as my little twins. I can’t imagine what this family is going through.”
And for gay band member Mark Feehily, 30, the day makes him yearn to become a dad. Mark, 30, says: “Visiting the wards has blown me away. To see the tiny faces look up at me and to make the kids laugh is the best feeling in the world.
“Just because you’re gay doesn’t mean those instincts towards wanting children go away. I think I’d make a great dad.”
Kian Egan, 31, cuddles fellow Irish boy Larry O’Connor from Co Wexford. and tells the three-year-old fighting two rare cancers: “You’re a long way from home. But you are having the best care possible.”
Great Ormond Street’s Children’s Charity needs £50million a year in donations to keep the hospital world class.
“It’s thanks to the public that its good work can continue,” says Shane. “So please support the Daily Star Appeal.”
Credit/Source: dailystar.co.uk
>> Terharu. Keep smiling!!
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