A GROUP of seriously ill children have enjoyed an early Christmas gift with a magical trip to Disneyland Paris.

Every year The Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund runs the trip for children suffering from some form of cancer.

Thomas Ball died at the age of 14 in 2003 after a six-year battle with neuroblastoma. During this time he set up the charity, based in Prestwood.

Thomas' mum, Elaine Ball runs the fund and organises the Disney trip.

She said: “It was just great to see the look on their faces. They were so excited, even on the journey they were all fidgety. It was really amazing.”

Twelve families were originally booked to go on this year's trip, but three of the children had infections at the last minute and were unable to make it. Those three families, who are all from Bucks, will have their trip reorganised in the New Year.

The three day break began at 7am on Sunday when a coach left High Wycombe for St Pancras. By early afternoon the children were having fun at the Disneyland Paris resort.

Elaine said all the families had “a magical time,” and braved the cold weather to watch the resort's festive parades, shows and see the Disney characters themselves.

Elaine said: “I couldn't believe how they all kept going. I was done in, but they just kept on.”

She added the children enjoyed the snowy weather that hit Paris during their stay.

This marked the charity's fourth annual Christmas Disney trip.

A single donor paid for the £12,000 stay, and has already pledged to do so again next year. This has freed up the charity to instead raise funds for the holiday home service it also runs for children suffering from cancer and leukaemia, Elaine said: “It's a great relief. It just means we can concentrate on the holiday home.”

So far £30,000 has been raised toward a £95,000 luxury lodge on the coast of Hampshire. This is intended to replace the two bed chalet, which the charity has used for the past seven years, after its lease expired in September.

For more information on the The Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund, or to donate money, visit www.thomasball.org.uk or call Elaine Ball on 01494 890157.