Cleland heart transplant youngster gets wish granted

Nov 5 2009 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

A CLELAND heart transplant youngster this month had a long-time wish granted.

For Stephen Moffat, who had a heart transplant almost two years ago, was given a Yamaha dirt bike.

The 12-year-old, because of his operation, has been unable to run around and play sport with his friends.

However, as many of them have quad bikes, Stephen also wanted one so he can spend time racing with his friends.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, a wish-granting charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses, was only too happy to step in.

On Stephen's big day, Make-A-Wish arranged for a stretch limousine to collect him and his parents, Mary and Andrew and his younger sister, Rachael, from their home.

Stephen and his dad were taken for a session of go-karting in Glasgow.

After tiring themselves out it was back in the limo and off for a well-earned lunch at TGI Friday's in Glasgow.

It wasn't until after lunch and the family had been dropped off back home that the real surprise came.

There in front of the house was the Yamaha dirt bike Stephen had wanted for so long.

His face lit up as he sat on the bike for the first time, eager to give it a go.

Stephen's mother Mary said: “Stephen had such a fantastic wish day that we all really enjoyed. After his heart transplant, Stephen was unable to do any sports, such as football, which he had really loved.

“All his friends had quad bikes so he knew his wish would be to own one. He can now go out and play with all his friends and not be stuck in the house.

“He is going to join the local quad bike club too. We would like to say a huge thank-you to the foundation.”