Guernsey Press

Ghostbusters superfan, 8, with heart condition, enjoys dream day out in Leeds

George Hinkins has Ebstein’s anomaly, a rare form of congenital heart disease.

Published
Last updated

A Ghostbusters superfan who has a congenital heart disease enjoyed a dream day out as he hunted ghouls at a library in Leeds.

George Hinkins, eight, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, lives with Ebstein’s anomaly, a rare form of congenital heart disease which means he was born with half a working heart.

George is often unable to join in with his peers as a result, but found positivity through the Ghostbusters films – and on Sunday he was able to live his dream.

Make a Wish Ghostbusters day
Ghostbusters superfan George Hinkins makes his way to search Leeds Central Library (Danny Lawson/PA)

He and his family were given a police escort into Leeds, where George was met with a guard of honour from local police, before enacting a scene in the library, which had been decked out in a spooky fashion.

The young ghoul hunter led four other Ghostbusters through the library in search of paranormal activity, before capturing a ghost, taking it to West Yorkshire Police and receiving a certificate of thanks from the mayor.

Make a Wish Ghostbusters day
Police escort the Ghostbusters vehicle Ecto-1 (Danny Lawson/PA)

“Everything he does is a little bit harder than it is for somebody else – with only half his heart and low oxygen levels.

“Today has given him so much confidence – he just turned up and jumped out of the Ecto-1 in front of loads of people… and just strolled up to the Mayor of Leeds at the door of the library and was shaking hands.

“It’s really made us grateful and it makes you feel that you’re not alone. So many people have come together to recognise what he’s been through but also what families like us go through.

“It’s given us something that George will take with him for the rest of his life.”

Make a Wish Ghostbusters day
Ghostbusters superfan George Hinkins (Danny Lawson/PA)

“We’re just blown away by the number of people who gave their time and their venue and gifts to make George and his family extremely happy.

“Memories that will stay with all of us, I think, for a very long time.”

Ms Porter pointed to the support of local community members and businesses who donated their services for free to make George’s wish come true.

She said: “It means that our own budget was minimal, which means that we as a charity can grant more wishes for other children, and that’s what we’re about.

“We’ve got so many more children that we need to reach with a wish.

“I hope by seeing this magic, more people are inspired to support us and to refer children to us for wishes.”

To find out more about George’s wish and the work of Make-A-Wish, visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk/news/georges-wish-to-be-a-ghostbuster.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.