Ref. 75763-03A LITTLE girl who suffers from a life threatening illness had her greatest wish granted thanks to a charity.

Lucy Sims, six, and her sister Abbie, eight, of Haydon Wick both have Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrog-enase Deficiency (MCADD).

MCADD is a condition where the sufferers become ill if they do not eat regularly as their bodies do not have the enzyme to convert fat into energy.

Lucy was diagnosed with the condition at the age of three when she became so ill she nearly died.

Her sister Abbie, who on the day of Lucy's birth became seriously ill with meningitis, also later tested positive for MCADD.

Their mum Lisa, 34 and dad Gavin, 36, an engineer wanted to give their daughters a treat so they arranged for the Make a Wish Founda-tion to grant their daughters' wishes.

Lucy's was to own a Bratz doll's house and some Bratz dolls.

And her wish has come true.

Lisa said: "In the morning a lady from the foundation came round with the Bratz house and dolls for both girls.

"Then a limo took them to Toys R Us where they chose more toys.

"After that they were taken to The Faerie Shop in Marlborough where they were greeted by the Faerie Queen before having a special picnic.

"Abbie and Lucy were absolutely over the moon they loved it, it was wonderful.

"They got so many toys that there are still lots of packages to open, it was like lots of Christmases rolled into one."

The day was a poignant one for Lisa who nearly lost both her daughters to their illnesses.

She said: "When Lucy was ill she nearly died and had to have lots of tests to find out what was wrong with her.

"When she was first diagnosed she was in hospital a lot but now she goes to Great Ormond Street about twice a year.

"Day to day it's manageable as long as I keep on top of it and make sure they eat regularly.

"It just means that if they don't eat they will get twice as ill as another child would.

"We nearly lost Abbie too so we are just feel very lucky to have them both now."

Abbie's wish was to go to DisneyLand Paris so in March the Make a Wish Foundation is sending the whole family .

The foundation helps children from three to 18-years-old who have life threatening diseases.

Anyone who would like to help with the charity's work locally should get in touch with area manager Frances Heath on 01962 820 302.

Diana Milne