Sports car wish sees young Alex, 11, in the fast lane on the road to recovery

Thanks to charity Wishing Well and volunteer Steve Ford, that is exactly what Alex Sargent enjoyed after making a wish while at Russells Hall Hospital.

While car enthusiast Alex was driven around Stourbridge in a rare Ferrari Testarossa, another young patient, Shannon Webb, got the chance to create a record of her favourite song, DNA by Little Mix. The pair are the latest young children who have had their dreams come true thanks to Mr Ford, who has run the charity for more than 20 years.

Alex's mother Michelle Sargent said: "It's brilliant, the work he does for the kids gives them something to push for and takes the mind off the pain they are going through."

Alex, aged 11, made the request to ride in a sport car while in hospital for two visits following a meningitis scare.

Thanks to Mr Ford's contact with FW Jones garage owner Colin Jones, a shiny red Ferrari Testarossa was arranged to pick up Alex for a ride on Saturday afternoon.

The youngster, who lives in Barnett Lane in Kingswinford, said: "It's really nice of them to sort this out for me. I never thought this would happen, it's amazing."

Also to receive a treat was 13-year-old Shannon. After telling Mr Ford she wanted to be a singer, it was set up for her to have slot at The Den Recording Studios, in Shaw Road, Dudley.

Shannon ended up in hospital after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

She has to inject herself with insulin four times a day and is regularly back at the hospital for check-ups.

But despite the squeeze on her diet, Shannon, of Surrey Road, Dudley, is looking on the bright side of life, and was delighted to be given the studio time by the charity.

The Holly Hall Academy student said: "Singing in the studio was great.

" It has been tough recently, but this made me very happy. I'd like to thank the charity."

Shannon's mother, Clare Wenlock, aged 32, said: "Steve and the charity do wonders for the kids. It was a dream come true for Shannon to do this."

Mr Ford, who last year granted a 500th child their wish, said: "It's fantastic to help the children, just to see the smile on their faces after what they have been through.ped us do this."