Torrington teen sees her Lapland dream come true

Make-A-Wish charity lights up Torrington family’s Christmas

A brave Torrington teenager who is living courageously bone cancer has had her Christmas wish granted after being transported to a snowbound winter wonderland in Lapland.

Marika Facey, aged 16, who suffers from osteosarcoma, has just enjoyed the arctic adventure of a lifetime and her own VIP meeting with Father Christmas for four days from Thursday to Sunday.

She and her family - mum Gina Pike, stepdad Adam Pike and younger brother Hayden, 13 – were transported to the enchanting northern wilderness by Make-A-Wish Foundation� UK, the charity that grants magical wishes for children and young people fighting serious illness.

Marika was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2008. Her illness had forced her to change her education plans and to end her participation in sports. When she saw Lapland featured on an edition of Noel Edmonds’ Christmas Show she immediately set her heart on going there.

She was too ill to travel last year but her story has taken a happier turn and her wish was finally granted this year as she flew north with

Upon arriving the family were transported to their log cabins and kitted out in thermal clothing. A feast was laid on that evening as the children were looking forward to some festive fun.

The following day the group enjoyed a snowbound “search for Santa� and on Saturday they were able to meet the man himself. After a short trek through a winter forest wonderland the children were welcomed by Father Christmas, who had presents for the family - who were lucky enough to catch him at home at Christmastime!

“I could never explain how fantastic our time in Lapland has been,� said mum Gina.

“Given what Marika and all the children have been through, to be able to make a magical wish is so special. Thank you so much for letting us have this amazing experience.�

There are currently 20,000 children and young people in the UK fighting a life-threatening illness and by 2012 Make-A-Wish is aiming to grant at least 1,000 wishes per year. Make-A-Wish needs to raise 5.5 million in 2011 to achieve this.

For more information about Make-A-Wish visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk or call (01276) 405060.