SINCE Samuel Bethell’s parents were told he may only have a couple of years left to live, the inspiring little fighter has seen a bucket full of his dreams come true.
Thanks to the generosity of his supporters, the brave eight-year-old, has ticked off everything from jumping on the world’s biggest bouncy castle to fishing.
He has also been invited to Chessington World of Adventures and Camp Bestival, where he met famous DJ Jo Wiley and Dick and Dom, and gone on the London Eye.
In addition to smashing a mud run, going into a field full of sheep, riding in a Ferrari, and pouring a pint, super Samuel also enjoyed a magical night at the Colchester Zoo.
Last November, he even fulfilled one of his quirkiest wishes when he was invited to jump on showroom beds at Hatfields Furniture and Interiors in Stanway.
And the best bit of all, Samuel is now the proud owner of a brown cocker spaniel called Cookie – his new best friend.
Samuel started writing his bucket list after his mum and dad, Victoria Gibson and Richard Bethell took their son for a routine check-up at Great Ormand Street Hospital.
The youngster had been born with a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, hypoplastic right heart syndrome and hypoventricula left heart syndrome.
He, therefore, had to endure undergo several operations at young age, including open heart surgery, but eventually surpassed doctors’ expectations.
In September last year, however, during his visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital, doctors delivered a sucker punch to his parents’ hopes for Samuel’s future.
The consultant informed them their child’s heart and valves were showing severe signs of scarring and tissue damage.
He also told her he would “be surprised” if Samuel made it to his 10th birthday – news which understandably shattered the family.
The couple then set about making what could be Samuel’s final years the best they can possible be, with the defiant fighter outlining everything he would like to do.
Speaking previously Victoria said: “I hold on to every smile and giggle and memory that I can and I love the fact that Samuel can have those moments.
“We also have to cling on to every bit of hope we have. We were first told he would not live 20 minutes and now he has been here for seven years.
“So, we will never give up on him because we know how strong he is and we know he loves life and loves being here.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here