Charlotte delights in Disney trip

The seven-year-old, who was given months to live by doctors in May after she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, returned on Friday from the trip, which Gazette readers helped pay for.

Charlotte's grandmother Wendy Bryant, of Devizes, who went with her to Florida, said: "It was a dream trip for Charlotte. She hasn't stopped talking about it since she came back."

Before she went on holiday, Charlotte underwent radiotherapy treatment and is continuing to take an anti-depressant drug called Chloripramine, in a bid to prolong her life.

Yesterday Charlotte had a check- up at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, where doctors said they were pleased with her progress.

Ms Bryant said: "The doctor who saw her was quite amazed at Charlotte's condition. The radiotherapy has worked and maybe the Chloripramine is adding to that.

"The doctor said Charlotte could go back to school if she wished. However, the prognosis hasn't changed although the doctors can't put a timescale on it."

During the holiday Charlotte slipped by the hotel pool and cut her chin. She had eight stitches at a nearby hospital and the family had to pay £700 for the treatment because they could not get insurance for her.

Despite this incident Charlotte had a great time. Now Charlotte's mum and dad Alison and Bill, who live in Westbury, and the rest of the family are looking ahead to December and her eighth birthday.

Ms Bryant said: "Charlotte is talking about her birthday and is looking forward to having a party and that is our next target."

Ms Bryant said the Florida trip gave the family many good memories. "Although Charlotte is well at the moment we don't expect miracles. The treatment she is having is prolonging her life and it is really nice."

Ms Bryant thanked all those who contributed to the charity, Charlotte's Chance of Life Fund.

She said: "I'm astounded by people's kindness I can't get over it."

Disney works its magic

TERMINALLY-ill Charlotte Wakeham had the time of her life on her dream holiday to Disney World in Florida.

Seven-year-old Charlotte has a rare form of brain cancer that is inoperable. At the end of May she was given just months to live by doctors.

She has just returned from a two- week holiday, which Gazette readers helped to pay for.

Before her holiday Charlotte, of Westbury, underwent radiotherapy treatment and continues to take an anti-depressant drug called chloripramine, which is to be trialled on children with brain cancers.

Since the treatment Charlotte's condition has improved and while she was on holiday she was able to run and swim for the first time in months.

Charlotte went on the holiday with her mother, Alison Fletcher, her brother Leigh, four, her seven-year-old cousin, Lisa, her grandmother, Wendy Bryant from Devizes, and her great aunt Rosemary Grice, from Marlborough.

Ms Bryant, of Victoria Road, Devizes, said: "We got Charlotte a wheelchair to use on the holiday because we thought she might need it but she pushed it around most of the time.

"She had a wonderful time and she was running everywhere.

"When she finished her radiotherapy treatment we were pleased that she was able to push her wheelchair from the train station to her home in Westbury but to see her running on holiday was wonderful."

"Charlotte loves to swim and hasn't done so since May as part of her school swimming lessons.

"At the hotel pool we were a bit apprehensive about her swimming because she hadn't done it for a while. We put armbands on her and she was happy to use them for a few days but after that she didn't need them as she was swimming beautifully.

"Before the radiotherapy she couldn't use her right arm but now she is using it again. She was thrilled to bits to be able to swim and do other normal things.

"Before, she was frustrated because she couldn't do a lot of things. She couldn't write or read and was losing the ability to walk.

"She's very independent and doesn't want to be fussed over.

Charlotte and her family were staying at the Disney resort's Allstars Movies hotel and they visited a number of theme parks including Epcot, the Magic Kingdom and Typhoon Lagoon.

Charlotte loved The Magic Kingdom where the Disney characters perform a show and she met her favourite character, Minnie Mouse.

Ms Bryant said: "Charlotte couldn't believe she was meeting Minnie Mouse and she asked her 'Are you the real Minnie Mouse?'

Charlotte told the Gazette: "Minnie Mouse was pretty and it was good to meet her."

Ms Bryant set up a charity in Charlotte's name, Charlotte's Chance Of Life Fund, to help Charlotte and other people with brain tumours.

Readers have responded by sending in donations and organising fundraising events and £21,000 has been raised for the charity.

Despite Charlotte's improvement, Ms Bryant said she and Charlotte's parents are still prepared for the fact that she will not be cured.

Ms Bryant said: "Chloripramine hasn't been proven to cure but it has been proven to prolong life and regenerate brain cells, although its use for children like Charlotte is at an early stage.

"We are always hoping for a cure but realistically we know it will not happen. Charlotte knows she has been poorly but now she feels better."

A wrestling extravaganza is being staged at Trowbridge Civic Hall tomorrow Friday at 7pm with the proceeds going to Charlotte's Chance of Life Fund.

Ms Bryant is keen to find an office to base the charity in Devizes and would like to hear from people or companies who can help her to call her on (01380) 727130.