AFTER bravely battling cancer and having to go through a gruelling course of chemotherapy a Penarth teenager has had her Christmas dream come true.

Ffion Jackson, 13, was whisked away to a snowy winter wonderland in Lapland by Make-A-Wish UK , the charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions, earlier this month.

Her mum Debbie described the trip as "magical" and said she would never forget it.

Ffion was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in April 2012 and underwent a short course of chemotherapy.

She was due to start radiotherapy, but sadly the cancer had spread to her chest and left armpit.

She then embarked on an intensive course of chemotherapy and was put in isolation in January 2013 before having stem cell treatment.

In February 2013 Ffion was declared in remission but still has regular checks to ensure the cancer does not return.

After a difficult few years, Ffion wanted a holiday away with her family.

As she loves snow, husky dogs and sledging, her perfect wish was to go to Lapland.

Upon arrival in Lapland, Ffion and her family were kitted out in thermal clothing before settling down for the evening, ready for the next few days of festive fun. They were treated to a husky ride, met some of the reindeer and elves, rode skidoos and got to look around Santa’s Workshop, before setting off through the winter wonderland in search of Father Christmas.

Mum Debbie said: “The wish has been something to really look forward to and after all Ffion has been through. We will never forget the wish; it was so magical and it was beautiful watching her enjoying herself in a winter wonderland.”

There are currently 20,000 children and young people in the UK fighting a life-threatening condition. This year, the Make a Wish charity hopes to grant 900 wishes and raise £7million to continue granting wishes in the future. Make-A-Wish receives no government funding – so every donation really does count.

To make a donation or refer a child to Make-A-Wish please visit our website here: http://www.make-a-wish.org.uk or telephone 01276 40 50 70.