A DREAM came true for a chronically ill 10-year-old boy when he had his festive wish granted.

The Make a Wish Foundation, a charity set up to make dreams come true for poorly youngsters, organised a day of surprises for Tom Wadsworth, of Berry Street, Burnley, along with his mum Christine Mckenzie and two sisters Emilla, 12, and Evesha, 7.

Tom, a pupil at Ightenhill School, suffers from adrenal hyperplasia, which means his body does not produce cortisone, putting him in danger of going into a coma when stressed.

He is constantly on medication and suffers hormonal effects from his illness.

But sickness and treatments were forgotten for a day when Tom and his family were whisked away from their home in a stretch limousine to enjoy a pub lunch. Tom was happy enough with that treat.

But while they were out, staff from the charity secretly installed a 32-inch flat-screen television, DVD player and CD stereo in the family home, fulfilling Tom's wish. Tom said: "We had a really nice dinner with sausages, mash and spaghetti hoops, and the limousine was great.

"It was a total surprise and I had no idea any of it was going to happen. The things they brought are absolutely fantastic and they brought us some good DVDs too.

"I've watched loads since the things came."

His mum Christine said: "It was a lovely day for all of us and a total surprise.

"It was nice for the whole family to enjoy the treat, too, as Tom's illness has an impact on everyone.

"I hate him having to take tablets every day and we are trying all kinds of treatment and speaking to specialists in Australia, where it's a lot more common.

"The latest thing is a drink from Thailand called Noni, which we hope can help. I'll try anything to help him.

She added: "The Make a Wish Foundation was really good and it was so special because it was very personal."

A spokesman for the foundation said: "Tom's a really lovely boy and we were glad to be able to help."