A BRAVE Northwich boy was granted a special Christmas wish when he was transported to a snowy winter wonderland in Lapland.

Seven-year-old Matthew Potter was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin lymphoma on January 7 this year.

Cancer cells were identified in his liver and he has undergone eight courses of harsh chemotherapy treatment with lumbar punctures.

After the first course he developed a fungal infection in his lungs called Aspergillosis, which was life threatening.

The year has been spent going in and out of hospital and Matthew will be under review for the next five years.

However, Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, the charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions, sent Matthew on a trip of a lifetime to meet Father Christmas.

“We were totally elated when we knew we were going to Lapland,” said mum Gillian. “The wish has been a huge ‘pick me up’ and it was amazing to have such a special time together as a family.

“The whole wish was magical and so very much appreciated. The memories will last forever.”

Upon arrival in Lapland, Matthew and family were kitted out in thermal clothing before being treated to a husky ride, meeting reindeer and elves, ring skidoos and looking around Santa’s Workshop.

Matthew then set of through the winter wonderland in search of Father Christmas. “Meeting the husky dogs was the best moment – they go really fast!” he said.

To make a donation to Make-A-Wish visit make-a-wish.org.uk or telephone 01276 405060.