Three young Bermudians who have beaten cancer were given the chance of a lifetime to meet operatic superstar Jose Carreras before his concert last Friday.

The world renowned tenor beat cancer 16 years ago and recovered after he was given a bone marrow transplant.

Mr. Carreras established his own international leukaemia foundation and last Friday, before his concert at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel, he met three young cancer sufferers who have beaten the disease.

Tawana Roque, Vaughn Rowse and Tajai O'Connor and their families were invited into the tenor's suite at the hotel before the concert to hear his inspirational story about how he survived cancer.

The meeting was arranged quietly by Dr. Alex Barron and Dr. Steve West of the Wee Care clinic, where the children have been treated.

It was done away from the glare of the media, but in a letter to The Royal Gazette, Dr. Barron wrote: “It was a truly magical afternoon.

“Many people may not know about Mr. Carreras' dedication to cancer treatment and research, but three children in Bermuda, and their families, know that cancer can be overcome and that with some hard work a dream, anything is possible.

“Thank you Jose Carreras for your voice. But thank you above all for your good heart. You are truly an inspiration.” He said Mr. Carreras' “return to the pinnacle of of his profession as one of the greatest tenors of all time remains truly inspiring and shows all of us that with perseverance and dedication one can overcome just about any obstacle”.