Wish granted for Higham Ferrers girl recovering from severe bout of pneumonia

Scarlett Bladon from Higham Ferrers took centre stage at W H Smith in Rushden High Street last weekend thanks to the Rays of Sunshine charity.

The charity wanted to grant a wish to the youngster who is living with the side effects of a severe bout of pneumonia and subsequent chest infections, meaning she has had to spend a lengthy amount of time in hospital.

Due to her illness, Scarlett has needed surgery ten times and has suffered from multiple infections.

Despite this, Scarlett, who is a creative and very bright young girl who loves to learn and write, has remained brave and positive throughout.

To make her wish come true, Rays of Sunshine organised for Scarlett to have her book, The Red Shoes, published.

The original story tells of a young girl called Lucy who is surprised by her beloved grandfather with many fantastic presents, including a shiny new pair of scarlet shoes.

The shoes lead the young girl on a magical adventure that she, nor the readers, will never forget.

But not only did Scarlett have her own book published, she had the chance to have a book signing at her nearest branch of W H Smith where she was made to feel like a famous writer.

Her wish gave her the chance to feel very special and to create some unforgettable memories.

After her wish, Scarlett’s mother Rachel Bladon said: “Scarlett had such a lovely time on her wish.

“We are so proud of Scarlett for writing her own story, forming the characters and creating the plot.

“Thank you Rays of Sunshine for organising a fantastic day.”

The Rays of Sunshine children’s charity aims to brighten up the lives of seriously ill children in the UK aged three to 18 by granting wishes, granting hospital ward wishes and organising outings and large-scale events for seriously ill children, including The Rays of Sunshine Concert.

For more information about the charity or to apply for a wish to be granted, go to www.raysofsunshine.org.uk.