Boy, 7, with leukaemia goes on ‘perfect’ trip to find the Loch Ness Monster
A dinosaur-mad seven-year-old boy who has battled cancer for five years has achieved his dream of finding the Loch Ness Monster.
Harry Angell was only two when he was diagnosed with leukaemia, and he’s been through several types of chemotherapy to try and fight it.
Thanks to the Make A Wish UK he’s now gone on a dream adventure to try and track down the elusive Nessie.
Harry, who’s from Swansea in Wales, went on a tour of the loch donated by Loch Ness Cruises.
His dad David explained: ‘He’s a dinosaur expert! They had dinosaur bed sheets in the Morriston hospital that were just for him.
‘But it wasn’t until Harry was flipping through the pages of a mythology book whilst low in energy, one of many consequences of his cancer, that he discovered Nessy who looks like a dinosaur. He became fascinated with him.’
The lives of Harry’s family were turned upside down following his diagnosis and uncertainties around his treatment.
Following countless hospital stays in the last three years, the Angells have had to stop making plans, instead focusing on ‘keeping Harry alive’.
David added: ‘Without the wish to look forward to, these things help our sanity and mental health, they let us keep going.
‘Within the darkness, there’s a bit of light.’
Mum Chloe said: ‘When he was sad about how he’s different to the kids around him, he latched onto the thought of his wish.
‘Instead of dwelling on his illness, Harry could focus his energy on something more positive.’
As part of the wish, Harry was also treated to a visit to meet alpacas, a bagpipe welcome from the Loch Ness Piper, and of course the loch tour with skipper Mike who managed to entice Nessie up to the surface for the special occasion.
Chloe added: ‘The day could not have been more perfect, the Loch Ness tour blew us away, Mike was amazing and even helped Harry find Nessie.
‘Seeing his face light up when he spotted her was incredible. It was truly magical and a once in a lifetime experience.’
Mike, who runs Loch Ness Cruises, said: ‘I can’t say how much both my team and I enjoyed the day! Harry and his family were a delight to have on the water and I think we all had a very memorable time.
‘When Make a Wish UK got in contact and asked to book the boat, we felt it was important to help out where we can so that the charity can continue its inspiring work.’
Make A Wish provide experiences for children who are seriously ill and their families – as many parents say they feel ‘trapped in this world that’s all about the mortality of your child’.
Visit the Make A Wish website for more information or to donate an experience for a child.
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