Brave Peterborough girl (5) with rare syndrome makes magical memories at Disneyland thanks to charity

The family of a brave Peterborough youngster with a rare form of epilepsy have thanked charity bosses for helping them make lifelong memories with a spectacular trip to Disneyland Paris.

Emily Mills, (5), was one 16 children and their families who were invited on the latest trip organised by Magic Moments – the in-house charity of estate and letting agency haart.

Magic Moments host regular trips to Disneyland for children with life limiting illnesses, and their families.

The latest adventure in early December was the third trip which has been organised in 2022 with nearly 200 people being whisked away to France.

Emily has Dravet Syndrome – a rare form of epilepsy – and was chosen for the trip alongside mum Catherine, father Gareth and her big sister Rosie.

Catherine admitted she was nervous about the trip even after accepting the offer, but has now thanked the Magic Moments trustees for making it a holiday to remember.

“Our family, solely down to Magic Moments, has made lifelong memories and bonded together beyond our wildest dreams,” she said.

“We laughed, played, and actually became kids again and allowed ourselves to enjoy everything.

“Rosie saw her mum and dad be spontaneous for the first time since Emily was born.

“Emily got to ride the carousel as many times as she wanted because she loves horses.

“Rosie got to be a kid in a magical kingdom, without a care in the world which is something I will treasure forever.

“This is a gift that goes way beyond a holiday to Disney.

“It is a gift that brought us back together as a family, united us, and allowed us to be us again for which we are eternally grateful.”

Emma Barber, Chair of Magic Moments said: “The experience Emily and her family had is exactly what Magic Moments strives to achieve on these trips.

“Feedback like this makes all the time and effort everyone puts in well worth it.

“Thank you to everyone at haart who has raised money and supported Magic Moments especially in such difficult economic times, your efforts and donations ensure we can continue to provide these trips.”