A Clydebank family were given a dream trip to London by a wish-making charity in order for their daughter who was born with a rare condition to meet her Disney heroes.

Aria Gowran was born with biliary atresia and had to undergo a lifesaving operation at just nine months old before spending another two years in hospital.

Recalling the experience, Dad Ryan says it was 'awful' and a very hard time in their lives.

He said: "Aria being ill was horrible. She was born right at the beginning of the pandemic, and our experience of that and having a very sick little girl was hard.

"She pretty much spent the first two and a half years of her life in hospital and the whole situation meant we really couldn’t catch our breath for that entire time.”

Aria was born with a rare condition which kept her in hospital for more than two years.Aria was born with a rare condition which kept her in hospital for more than two years. (Image: Rays of Sunshine) One thing that brought the family comfort throughout was their shared love of all things Disney, so when they were introduced to Rays of Sunshine, a wish-making charity, and told Aria she could have a wish, it wasn’t long before they decided on one.

After speaking with the family, their 'wish granter' organised for them all to go to London to watch the Frozen Musical, alongside a special Disney Store shopping spree for Aria.

Ryan said: “Even though it was Aria’s wish, we all got to be involved. It meant a lot to us as parents, as we know that Aria and her brother haven’t been able to spend as much time together as other siblings have.

"It feels special that they have these memories together, and will be able to reminisce on them in the future.”

Aria got the chance to meet Disney characters from the film Frozen.Aria got the chance to meet Disney characters from the film Frozen. (Image: Rays of Sunshine) Now four-years-old Aria is doing well and her family have been encouraging others to get involved with the Big Give so that more magical wishes like theirs can be granted to other seriously ill children.

Support Rays of Sunshine’s Big Give campaign HERE. 

This year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge is between December 3 to 10 and donations are being matched during the Christmas Challenge by the Reed Foundation, meaning supporters’ generosity will have double the impact.

Amy Chambers, director of fundraising and communications at Rays of Sunshine, said: “We’re so pleased that Aria had an unforgettable time on her wish and are grateful to the Gowran family for showing their support for our Big Give campaign.

“We hope Aria’s story inspires people across Dunbartonshire to show their support and have their donations doubled. The demand for wishes is higher than ever before, and every penny raised will help us brighten the lives of seriously ill children this Christmas and beyond.”