Fireman Sam lights up children’s faces in Wirral

Oct 31 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Heswall News

FIREMAN Sam put a smile on children’s faces when he popped into Birkenhead to meet young fans.

Thousands of people came out to see children’s hero Fireman Sam when he stopped by The Grange and Pyramids Shopping Centre.

The special visit saw two brave youngsters, Steven Williams and Charlotte Eccleson, get to meet their screen idol.

Four-year-old Steven is blind and was diagnosed with septo-optic dysplasia, optic nerve hypoplasia and eye nystagmus when he was born prematurely. He also has autism and is a pupil of Ellery Park School.

His mum Cheryl, 28, of Prenton, who has two other children, Adam, eight, and Mia, four months, said: “Steven loves Fireman Sam but when he is on the television, obviously he can only hear him.

“This visit meant Steven could meet him personally, feel him and use some of his other senses to make the most of seeing him the way other children would.

“To see his face when he met him was lovely. His face just lit up with this huge smile and it really was very special for him to have his own personal meeting with him.

“He is always such a happy and determined child anyway so it is no surprise to see a smile on his face. He has never really let things get in his way.”

Eight-year-old Charlotte, from Moreton, has Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism.

The Eastway Primary School pupil came with friends and her little brothers Jack, six, who is also being tested for behaviour problems, and two-year-old Joshua.

Charlotte’s mum Karen, 30, added: “Queuing and crowded places cause Charlotte to get very stressed which is not good for her.

“If the shopping centre hadn’t offered us this fantastic personal meeting with Fireman Sam, then I simply wouldn’t have come.

“I am very grateful for this personal meeting, it has been lovely for the children as a half term treat.”

Fire officers from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were on hand to talk to families about keeping safe with fireworks on bonfire night.

Expressions Dance College in Birkenhead entertained the crowds with Hallowe’en inspired dance routines as well.