AS the 100 children who travelled the 2,000 miles to Lapland discovered the hidden treats of Santa's magical forest, one mother said she had never seen her daughter so happy.
Talia Dacres, 6, of Aspley, has a rare condition called dyskeratosis congenita, which affects only one in a million children. It means she has an extra chromosome which is damaged and puts her at more risk of developing mouth cancer in the future.
"Today has been absolutely wonderful for Talia," said mum Victoria Lees, 24. "She is so brave, and it is so special to see such a big grin on her face."
As Talia played in the snow in the magical forest and toasted marshmallows over a warm fire, Victoria explained how her daughter also has aplastic anaemia, which leads to bone marrow failure.
"Last year in November Talia had a bone marrow transplant, but her body rejected it. She had another one in February, and that worked.
"We have to go to hospital in Sheffield every three weeks for regular check ups, but to look at Talia you wouldn't know it.
"She is such a perfect daughter and today has been a dream come true."
Talia, who attends Firbeck Primary School, Wollaton, said her favourite part of the day had been riding on a skidoo.
She said: "I loved the magical forest and seeing Santa. The skidoo was the best with the big friendly bear. When I'm at school I'm going to write all about Lapland in my journal."
After riding on husky sledges, reindeer sleighs, watching a glittering firework display and drinking hot chocolate, the children moved on to meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, the capital of the Lapland region, in northern Finland
Victoria, who is a full-time mother to Talia and her sister Torie, who is 17 months old, added that it was lovely to see so many brave children acting like children.
She said: "A lot of these children have to go in and out of hospital regularly, but today is all about them just enjoying themselves.
"It really has been magical, and a once in a lifetime experience.
"It certainly is the happiest I've seen Talia, and a much happier time than last Christmas."
After handing their Christmas lists to Santa, a warm buffet lunch in a cosy hotel and a sing-a-long to some Christmas songs, the children were taken to visit Santa's elves at the Santa Claus village.
Victoria added that she and her daughter would remember the special trip forever.
She said: "I think today is one we will never forget.
"From the fireworks to the husky dogs and Talia being able to give her Christmas list to Santa, everything has been perfect.
"And she's such a wonderful daughter, she deserves a bit of magic this year."
When You Wish Upon a Star, which has its head office in Basford, has granted the wishes of more than 14,500 seriously and terminally ill children from across the country since it was set up 21 years ago. To find out more, or make a donation, visit the charity's website.