AN eight-year-old boy who suffers with a rare muscular condition had his dreams come true when he went on a “perfect” Mediterranean holiday.

John Dickson, from Chipping Norton, had his greatest wish, to go on a hot holiday with a swimming pool, granted by the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity for children with serious and life-threatening illnesses.

The charity sent him and his family to Sicily, where they enjoyed spending time at an all-inclusive beach resort.

John was diagnosed in 2004 with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare condition that causes severe muscle wastage and means he is incapable of sustained bouts of unsupported exercise.

As a result of his condition, John is taking tablet medication and undergoes physiotherapy frequently, having to make regular trips to the hospital.

He uses a manual wheelchair and can find it difficult to keep pace with his friends and family, including his beloved cat Oliver.

John’s mum, Angela, said his passion for swimming and his prized electric bike give him the opportunity to “move about freely”.

She said: “We hoped Starlight could help put the smile back on his face and the sparkle back in his eyes.”

The pool was the highlight of the holiday for John and he spent many happy hours relaxing with his sister on their inflatable crocodile and made lots of friends by the pool.

After the holiday Mrs Dickson said: “It was just perfect.”

To refer a child for a wish or to make a donation to the charity, visit starlight.org.uk.