Brave little Ruby Marshall, 3, thanks Sun readers for making her dreams come true before time runs out
BEAMING Ruby Marshall sends a huge “thank you” to Sun on Sunday readers who have stepped up to help complete her bucket list.
Generous strangers have vowed to fulfil the three-year-old’s dreams — which include a family picnic and a cinema trip — after she was diagnosed with a rare, incurable condition set to rob her of her future.
We told last week how brave Ruby has mitochondrial disorder Pearson’s syndrome and could suffer complete organ failure by the age of eight.
Her police officer parents, Nikki and John, are desperate to tick off their daughter’s wishes — and readers and businesses are making it happen by gifting incredible experiences.
Nikki, 39, said: “It’s amazing what The Sun on Sunday and your readers have done for Ruby.
“These wonderful donations give us the opportunity to make wonderful memories.
“I am eternally grateful. Thank you so much for your good wishes and kindness.”
Ruby, who also wants to visit a theme park and go camping, is one of only three people in the UK with Pearson’s syndrome.
Three years of blood transfusions mean she has had to stay close to hospital at all times, so couldn’t have days out.
Yet the treatment means she now has a period where she can still fulfil her dreams.
On Thursday, Ruby ticked off the first item on her bucket list — a countryside picnic — after receiving a basket of delicious goodies from The British Hamper Company.
She shared the treats with her parents and sisters, Freya, five, Connie, seven, and half brother, Jack, 14, at a park near their home in Lancaster.
The firm’s MD, James Tod, said: “We were delighted to support Ruby’s bucket list.”
And that’s not all.
Generous bosses at Merlin have offered Ruby a day at Alton Towers theme park, with overnight stary and crazy golf.
She has also been promised a stay at a luxury apartment with her own ten-seater cinema courtesy of Swish Apartments in Blackpool — plus a donkey ride.
Visit Blackpool has pledged a tram ride and passes to Sandcastle Waterpark and Blackpool Zoo.
They have also joined with Merlin Entertainments to send Ruby up Blackpool Tower and to Sea Life aquarium.
Fun-filled time
Walker Books has offered a meeting with her favourite character, Maisy Mouse, while Lancaster Canal Trust is donating a trip on the water.
She will also get a chance to walk with alpacas at Alpaca Fold in Lancaster and stay in a luxury bell tent thanks to Scar Close Glamping in Carnforth, Lancs.
Odeon will provide cinema tickets and Lancaster Grand Theatre has invited her to a family show, while Sweet Dreamzzz Slumber Parties will offer teepees for Ruby’s first ever sleepover with her siblings.
Nikki said: “I keep a list of all the things we can be grateful for and the blood donations from strangers that have kept her alive mean so much.
“Within a few days, all of Ruby’s bucket list has been offered to us. We are going to give her the most fun-filled time possible.”