holidays and stage shows in New York this year.

Bermuda-based Child's Wish granted wishes to the 16 children suffering from serious illnesses to family problems -- and each wish was designed to fit the child's own circumstances.

A boy suffering from a serious illness was flown to England to meet Shaun Goater and watch his favourite team, Manchester United, play Liverpool.

Another girl was flown to the United States to visit her seriously ill mother in hospital on her birthday.

Child's Wish President, Shirley Higgs, said: "Thanks to contributions from individuals and corporations in Bermuda, we can continue to make dreams a reality for children experiencing serious difficulties.

"We aim to lift their spirits and make them feel supported and cared about by the community.'' In addition Bermuda played host to two groups of visiting children and their families who came to the Island through similar organisations in the United States. The two groups fulfilled their wish at no cost thanks to the generosity of Dolphin Quest and WindReach.