Little Shay Murray from Watford has had his dearest wish to be a rock star for the day granted by Starlight Children’s Foundation, the UK’s leading wish granting charity for children with serious and terminal illnesses.

Shay, five, suffers from a very rare life-limiting condition called Pearson Marrow Pancreas Syndrome, which is caused by a deletion in mitochondrial DNA. Pearson Syndrome is very rare, with fewer than 100 cases reported worldwide. As a result of his illness, Shay has never known a life without hospital appointments, tests and treatments. Despite the challenges he faces on a daily basis, his mum Sharon said: “Shay is always smiling and laughing and it takes a lot to get him down.”

According to Sharon, Shay has lots of interests but finds it hard to have a regular hobby because “having so many hospital appointments means you sometimes forget to have fun”. However, there is one thing Shay loves and that is rock music.

When Shay was referred to Starlight for a once-in-a-lifetime wish, it wasn’t hard for the guitar-loving youngster to decide that his wish would be to experience a day in the life of a rock star.

Sharon said before the treat: “To have this wish granted would make Shay ecstatic. “He has a life-limiting illness and for us to see him do fun things is all we want for him.

“We can’t change his diagnosis or find a cure for him but we can ensure he has the opportunities to enjoy life to the full while he is still able to.”

Starlight set about creating the perfect day for wannabe rock star Shay, parents Alan and Sharon and sisters Cearney, one, and Chrissy, nine.

Starlight also organised a stretched Hummer limo to ferry the family around London in style.

Shay’s first stop was a visit to Wunjo Guitars in Denmark Street. The specialist guitar shop had been cleared to serve Shay and his family and, to his delight, the youngster was able to try out a number of guitars before choosing his favourite, an electric blue one, to take home with him.

Next up was a visit to a studio in north London, where Shay was to have his very own rock session with up and coming band, Halfway to New York.

The band played a private concert for the family, with Shay joining in on the percussion. They then presented him with a signed guitar and for their final song he joined in and strummed along.

Shay’s favourite radio station is Absolute Radio and as part of his treat he enjoyed an exclusive visit to the station.

During his tour, Shay had a chance to practice reading the news and was given signed photos of his favourite presenters, including Breakfast Show host Christian O’Connell, Geoff Lloyd, Frank Skinner and Rock ‘N’ Roll Football’s Ian Wright.

Loaded up with Absolute Radio goodies, there was one place left to visit on Shay’s London Tour of Rock – London’s Hard Rock Café.

The team at Absolute Radio had made sure there was a table for Shay and his family, more goody bags on arrival and Absolute Radio also arranged for the family to be given an exclusive VIP tour of The Vault at the iconic London venue, where Shay got to hold rare and priceless items of memorabilia.

After the wish, Shay’s mum Sharon said: “Thank you so much to Starlight for everything – Shay really did have such a magical time as a rock star.”

To refer a child for a wish or to make a donation, please go online at www.starlight.org.uk.

For every £1 you donate, 91p goes towards helping Starlight’s very ill children.