A YOUNG Southall girl was granted a magical wish when she had the run of a toy store.

Avleen was diagnosed with cancer at the age of five.  Now six, she was gifted the experience by Rays of Sunshine, a children’s charity that grants wishes for seriously ill children, alongside its partner, Smyths Toys.  

Avleen’s leukaemia was a huge shock to her parents, Weronika and Davinder Singh. “We knew her as a very happy and bright little girl, and then suddenly everything changed,” said Weronika.  

Before her diagnosis, her mum says Avleen was a typical little girl and loved to play and dance. But it left her too sick to do these normal childhood activities and, instead, left her with a life of doctor’s appointments, hospitals and treatment.  

The family were introduced to Rays of Sunshine by one of Avleen’s support workers at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“She had spent a lot of time not being able to play while she was getting treatment for her leukaemia,” said her mum. “Before that, she had always loved going around our local Smyths Toys shop to look at all the toys.”

Rays of Sunshine organised for a limousine to pick up Avleen and her mum from their house and drive them to their nearest Smyths store in Hounslow.

Rays of Sunshine explained that Avleen could have whatever toys she wanted, so she filled her trolley with soft toys, games, teddies, dolls and more. She even went home with a giant doll’s house.  

“I thought Avleen would be tired after such a busy day, but she was full of energy,” said Weronika. “She couldn’t stop playing with all of her toys for hours afterwards.

“I think all of us are still very traumatised by what Avleen had to go through so young. Thank you, Rays of Sunshine and Smyths Toys, for giving my little girl the chance to play again.”

Avleen has now finished her treatment.