Gaye Kerr with her two sons Adam and Brian enjoying their trip to Lapland last week.

CHRISTMAS came early for five-year-old Brian Kerr and his family last week when they visited Santa's homeland.

Brian, from Moira, who has Fanconi's Anaemia, was treated to the magical trip to Lapland by the Shine A Light charity, set up to help children with cancer in Northern Ireland.

The magical break away was a dream come true for the Kerr family who tragically lost Brian's twin sister Helen in 2005.

Getting to experience the true magic of Christmas, Brian, 6, and his 8-year-old brother Adam had a fantastic time with their mother Gaye.

Meeting Santa and his elves and reindeers made this trip more than just a holiday but something that will be etched in their memories forever.

"I can't even describe it - unless you see it for yourself you won't appreciate how magical it is," said Gaye.

"The boys said it was the best holiday they have ever had in their life. Brian even described it as a once in a life time trip."

Billy McCrory, who founded Shine A Light, arranged the holiday. Gaye said he "went over and above the call of duty".

She said: "We spent four nights and five full days at Hotel Santa Claus and Billy arranged for us to visit the Santa Park and Village.

The boys asked Santa what length his beard is and Santa told them that it was one and a half times the smallest elf in the world, which is the same size of Brian."

Gaye said Brian is doing great at the moment and the family are really looking forward to Christmas.

"Life will never be the same without Helen but she will always be in our memories. The boys helped choose a special decoration in Lapland to bring hack and put on our tree for Helen at home."

She continued: "I would really urge any family with a child who has cancer to get in touch with the Shine A Light charity as my family has benefited so much. Seeing the boys' faces was priceless. No matter what happens no one can take the memories away from us."

As a thank you the family gave a present to the trip organiser.

Gaye said: "We bought a silver tankard for Billy and it says 'To the man with a heart of gold," that is exactly what he is."

For more information on the charity please visit https://www.shinealightni.com/

Ulster Star
/2007