Rio's dream - Lapland

From Rio's Mum, Chloe: Wow! Our trip to Lapland was everything we dreamed of and more! We cannot thank you enough. We are so grateful for such an unbelievable experience for Rio and our family.

You really took good care of us. Our adventure started in the airport hotel the night before! Everything was so well organised. We enjoyed the Lappish people's hospitality and tried lots of delicious local food.

The Search for Santa experience in the Arctic Circle, was something we'll talk about as a family forevermore!

The boys could not believe their eyes when they saw the very letter we had posted in Father Chistmas's actual hands! Our favourite was seeing Rio and Rudy's faces light up with all the magic! We all enjoyed playing in the snow and sledging at every single opportunity. It was amazing to see how brave Rio was on the slopes.

Last December, Rio was still in the thick of his cancer treatment. Intensive chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions every few days, long hospital stays, injections, meds, regular dressing and NG tube changes. The outcome of his treatment was uncertain. We were terrified it might be his last Christmas.

This year, in stark contrast, he is thriving at school and growing to be a confident and magnificent little boy. It is a privilege watching him flourish. We are so proud of him. His next cancer scans are in January with his chance of relapsing being one in two. We desperately pray that he continues to be healthy.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is such a special thing you have done for Rio and our family. Memories to treasure for a lifetime!