A boy with a rare heart defect has been granted his wish to become a Ghostbuster.
Eight-year-old George Hinkins lives with Ebstein anomaly, a congenital condition which means only half of his heart functions.
George will be strapping on his proton pack for a day of hunting down ghouls after charity Make-A-Wish joined forces with Leeds Libraries to make his dream come true.
The schoolboy, from Harrogate, has been a fan of the famous film franchise since he was six and even had his Ghostbusters figurines with him while undergoing his third open heart surgery in March 2020.
George said: “When I first watched Ghostbusters, it turned my whole life upside down and it made it completely happy!
“When I’m in hospital, it’s a bit scary.
“But just like the Ghostbusters, I try to face my fears. I try to be brave.”
Leeds Central Library will be transformed into a haunted house, with ghosts projected on the walls to create a suitably spooky setting in the Yorkshire Room.
George will be driven in the iconic Ecto-1 car from his home to the library, where the East Midlands Ghostbusters – a non-profit charity group formed by fans of the franchise – will be waiting to guide him through his adventure.
Around 63,000 children in the UK are currently battling a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, according to Make-A-Wish UK.
Chief executive Jason Suckley said: “When a child like George is diagnosed with a critical condition, the joy of childhood is brought to an abrupt end with treatment plans, hospital appointments and worry taking over.
“The power of a wish – in this case, being a Ghostbuster for the day – brings light and joy to children and their loved ones, and we’re very grateful to Leeds Libraries for their support in bringing this wish to life.”
Leeds City Council senior librarian Rhian Issac said: “George’s story touched the hearts of the Leeds Libraries team from the moment we heard it, and we hope that we can help create a memory that George and his family will remember forever.”
