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

A seven-year-old boy who has spent more than half of his life in hospital says his dream is to have "a big party" with all his friends.

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

From then on, the little boy was launched into three years of gruelling treatment, meaning he has now spent more than half of his childhood years in hospital.

Now in remission, Adil hopes to have his wish for "a big party" to celebrate the end of treatment granted by Make-A-Wish UK.

Adil's condition affects less than 800 people in the UK each year (Make A Wish UK)

Recalling her son's diagnosis, Adil's mum Mariam said: "He was born a healthy child. Then, when he was three years old, he was diagnosed with leukaemia. Our whole world changed overnight. Dealing with a life-threatening illness was very hard for all of us to accept."

The then-toddler was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia - a rare and aggressive form of cancer which affects white blood cells. It is diagnosed in less than 800 people in the UK every year.

Mariam added: "Chemotherapy was very hard. Our happy, bubbly baby was tired and sad all the time. He just wanted to be like other children.

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

Adil, pictured playing with his younger sister, is now in remission - and can't wait to party with his friends (Make A Wish UK)

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

Make-A-Wish UK chief executive Jason Suckley said: "When a child like Adil is diagnosed with a critical condition, the joy of childhood is brought to an abrupt end with treatment plans, appointments and worry taking over.

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

With 503 children waiting for their wish across the UK – including Adil - charity bosses say that £1.25 million needs to be raised in order to clear the Wish Map by World Wish Day on April 29.