A teenager from Garston had his dearest wish come true when he was sent on an Alpine snowboarding holiday with his family.

Jake Seeley, 14, his sister Paige, 16, and mum and dad Amanda and Andy slipped off for their snowy break organised by the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

At just three weeks old, Jake became very sick and was rushed to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. He spent three weeks in hospital, ten days of which were in intensive care.

Three weeks later Jake was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a life-shortening condition affecting the major organs of the body and particularly the lungs.

Described by his mum as a "fighter and a very determined young man", she says Jake faces each hurdle with a smile on his face. Like most youngsters his age, Jake enjoys sport and, although there are some limitations as a result of his condition, he is always keen to tackle a new challenge.

Jake has always wanted to try some form of winter sport, particularly as such sports would have lots of health benefits and would help keep his lungs clear.

His parents applied to Starlight after their son spent his entire six-week summer holiday in 2011 in and out of hospital for treatment.

Starlight said they would make Jake's wish come true and Jake wished for the snowboarding adventure in the Alps with his family. They all agreed it would be the perfect escape from the daily routine of medication, physiotherapy and hospital visits.

In a letter to the charity, he said, "My wish would be to go snowboarding in the Alps because I think it would be a cool and fun experience. I’ve never been snowboarding so what better place to go than the Alps."

The charity sent Jake and his family to the world-famous Alpine resort of Sestriere. Sestriere was home to the 2006 Winter Olympics and Jake, Amanda, Andy and Paige stayed in the former Olympic Village. They had a self-catering apartment with the nearest ski lift just a short distance away, they were only moments from the slopes.

Before their trip, Jake had only ever had a couple of snowboarding lessons in the UK so Starlight arranged lessons in the morning for the family: snowboarding for Jake and Andy, and skiing for Amanda and Paige. There had been a great dump of snow before they arrived so there was a lot for them to enjoy - and to cushion any falls.

When they weren’t on the slopes, the family got to sample some of the après ski on offer and they enjoyed all the excitements and delights of the resort.

Jake’s mum Amanda said, "We have just returned from our amazing holiday. Jake had a fantastic time and is now an efficient snowboarder.

"We can't thank Starlight enough! Jake said when he is boarding up in the mountains he even forgot he has cystic fibrosis."

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