WATCH: Inspirational James (10) from Sallins meets his heroes Mickey Mouse and Pluto at Disneyland Paris thanks to 'Make-A-Wish'

By Kim O'Leary

A truly inspirational young lad from Co Kildare recently realised his dream of visiting Disneyland Paris to meet his favourite Disney characters Pluto and Mickey Mouse, with the help of ‘Make-A-Wish’ Ireland.

Young James Dolan (10) is from Sallins and for his 10th birthday on 24 July, he and his family including his devoted parents Paul and Martha as well as his big sister Justine (13) travelled to Disneyland Paris with help from ‘Make-A-Wish’ Ireland.

Speaking to KildareNow, James’ dad Paul explained: “Make-A-Wish granted the wish for James to meet his hero Mickey Mouse and have his 10th birthday with Mickey in Disneyland Paris. His sister Justine,13, and mommy and daddy (me) went too. James’ birthday was 24 July.”

He said: “James is non-verbal and has a very rare genetic condition. He watches Mickey mouse all the time. Some of the characters there noticed James was watching them on his iPad which was funny.”

Meanwhile, James’ big sister Justine and her friends also helped to raise €228.00 through their bake sale ahead of the special once-in-a-lifetime trip.

According to his father Paul, James began walking when he was five after his parents brought him to the Conductive Education therapy centre in the UK and following just one week with specialists in the centre his parents were amazed to see him walk out after going into the centre in a wheelchair.

James is currently a pupil at St Anne’s school on the Curragh, and he also attends an hour long physio session each week in Dublin.

James’ family also wishes to thank Make-A-Wish Ireland for their support in helping make James’ wish come true.

Since 1992, Make-A-Wish has granted wishes for more than 2,300 brave children across Ireland, including 221 wishes granted in 2017 alone. A wish granted is true magic for the child, providing respite from their normal routines of hospitals, doctors and treatment. Make-A-Wish does not receive any government funding, and relies overwhelmingly on the kindness of the Irish public to continue granting wishes.

As a well-respected and popular children’s charity, Make-A-Wish is fully committed to providing the maximum level of care and enjoyment for our children and their families.

Make-A-Wish Ireland has one simple aim – to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, to bring hope, strength and happiness.

For more information visit www.makeawish.ie

https://www.facebook.com/Make.A.Wish.Ireland/videos/10156493055725295/