A poorly Aberdeen boy who has battled a heart defect since birth has been given the holiday of a lifetime from a national charity.
Alex Crichton was flown out to spend time at Disney World Florida with his mum and granny earlier this month.
The nine-year-old went under the knife for open heart surgery when he was just two weeks old and, in recent years, has suffered two strokes.
And, among his regular physical therapy sessions and hospital visits, Alex will also require imminent tendon surgery on his leg.
After hearing about his situation, charity Caudwell Children offered him and his family the chance of a much-needed break with a dream holiday to Florida.
Mark Bushell from the charity said: “The family loved spending quality time together.
“After all the check-ups and appointments that Alex has to attend, they really enjoyed the break.”
The place was funded through Caudwell Children’s Destination Dreams scheme, which spends £250,000 every year taking 25 youngsters on the trip of a lifetime.
Mr Bushell added: “Time is so precious to the families who are selected for Destination Dreams and they take lots of photos to remember the special moments.
“Nothing will ever be more memorable than their trip to Disney World, and to see the smile on Alex’s face was simply wonderful.”