A 14-year-old boy with a life threatening medical condition finally had his wish come true yesterday when he came to Bermuda to meet gospel singer Deitrick Haddon.

Christian Perry from Georgia has suffered severe juvenile diabetes for the past five years.

He admitted to : "It has been a rocky road."

While Make A Wish Foundation do not often send children on international travels, they made an exception to realise Christian's dream.

According to his mother Patricia Perry, Christian has always loved gospel music and particularly likes Deitrick Haddon because of his "wonderful" singing.

When the family ? Christian, his mother and his cousin, Maurice ? were checking into the hotel they got their first glimpse of the gospel singer from around the corner and Mrs. Perry recalled her son was "faint".

While most children in association with Make A Wish Foundation go to Disneyland, Christian opted to meet his gospel idol because he hopes to be a singer and minister when he grows up, just like Deitrick Haddon.

His mom recalled him saying: "Mom, I want to be just like Deitrick."

Christian explained that juvenile diabetes often made him sick ? causing him to get bad headaches, cramps and nausea ? and while the first three years were very severe within the last few years the condition had calmed down.

Mrs. Perry explained that her son's condition had been serious since he was diagnosed at which point he had a blood-glucose level of 500. The normal level is 70 to 120. While diabetes could be controlled it was still a life threatening disease, she said.

Mr. Perry has been treated like royalty since the moment he arrived on the Island and was welcomed by up to 30 staff members at The Southampton Princess. A red carpet was rolled out.

He is now looking forward to hearing music and enjoying himself at Bermuda's Gospel Industry Music Festival, Sonfest 2006, featuring gospel singer Deitrick Haddon.

Make a Wish Ambassador, Eugene Hall, arranged for Christian to get VIP seating and an access pass.

In addition, Mr. Hall said that Deitrick Haddon may also be pulling Christian up on stage or mentioning his name as a surprise component to the evening.

Ms Perry said: "It makes me happy for him ? that he is living out one of his dreams ? and to be able to see that is very exciting and rewarding."

Mr. Hall has been assisted by a team at Fairmont Southampton, and together they have done everything to make the four-day stay as comfortable for Christian's family as possible.

The family are staying in a two-bedroom suite overlooking the Harbour and have had their rooms and meals taken care of by the hotel.

They have also planned an action-packed weekend for the family that includes everything from a visit to the Aquarium and Crystal Caves, jet skiing, shopping and a demonstration cooking class at the hotel where they will bake a special cake for Christian.

This is Christian's first time outside of the United States and so far he says that the trip to Bermuda has been "wonderful".