Boy, 7, who spent half his childhood in hospital ‘just wants to party with friends’

Adil Afshari-Nasr from Kensal Green was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia when he was just three years old and has since endured three years of grueling treatment

A seven-year-old boy who has spent more than half his life in hospital says his dream is to throw “one big party” with all his friends.

Adil Afshari-Nasr from Kensal Green was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia when he was just three years old.

From then on, the little boy was sent through three years of grueling treatment, meaning he has now spent more than half of his childhood years in it hospital.

Now in remission, Adil is hoping to fulfill his wish for a “big party” to celebrate the end of treatment Make-A-Wish UK.

Recalling her son’s diagnosis, Adil’s mother Mariam said: “He was born a healthy child. Then, when he was three years old, he was diagnosed leukemia. Our whole world changed overnight. Dealing with a life-threatening illness has been very difficult for all of us to accept.”

The toddler at the time was diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia – a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects white blood cells. It is diagnosed in fewer than 800 people in the UK each year.

Mariam added: “The chemotherapy was very tough. Our happy, bubbly baby was tired and sad all the time. He just wanted to be like other kids.

“After what we’ve been through over the past three and a half years, the chance to be with all of his friends will help celebrate his recovery and unite us as a family.”

Adil added that the party will be an opportunity to play – which he says is his “favourite thing in the world”. He said: “What’s special about my party is that I get to do fun things with people. Big, big party.”

Make-A-Wish UK CEO Jason Suckley said, “When a child like Adil is diagnosed with a critical condition, the joy of childhood with treatment plans, appointments and worries is cut short.

The power of a wish revitalizes that childhood, bringing light and joy to children and their loved ones, and leaving a profound and lasting impact on their entire lives.

With 503 children awaiting their wish across the UK – including Adil – charity bosses say £1.25million needs to be raised to clear the wish card by World Wish Day on April 29.