Leeds Libraries team up with Make-A-Wish to make boy’s dream of becoming a Ghostbuster come true

An eight-year-old boy from Harrogate will become a ghostbuster for a day for his wish granted by Make-A-Wish UK.
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Leeds Libraries will be helping to grant the wish for George, who suffers with Ebstein anomaly - a rare heart defect from birth that can lead to growth of the heart and heart failure.

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George has been a fan of the Ghostbusters franchise since he was six years old, and even took his Ghostbuster figurines into his third open-heart surgery in 2020.

Pictured is the East Midlands Ghostbusters with George. Photo: The East Midlands GhostbustersPictured is the East Midlands Ghostbusters with George. Photo: The East Midlands Ghostbusters
Pictured is the East Midlands Ghostbusters with George. Photo: The East Midlands Ghostbusters

“When I’m in hospital, it’s a bit scary," George said.

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"But just like the Ghostbusters, I try to face my fears. I try to be brave.”

This month, the team at Leeds Libraries will be turning Leeds Central Library into a haunted house filled with ghosts and ghouls.

The East Midlands Ghostbusters, a non-profit fan group of the franchise, will also be taking part.

George (centre) has been a fan of the Ghostbusters franchise since he was six years old. Photo: The East Midlands GhostbustersGeorge (centre) has been a fan of the Ghostbusters franchise since he was six years old. Photo: The East Midlands Ghostbusters
George (centre) has been a fan of the Ghostbusters franchise since he was six years old. Photo: The East Midlands Ghostbusters

Rhian Isaac, senior librarian for Leeds City Council, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Make-A-Wish to bring George’s wish to life.

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“George’s story touched the hearts of the Leeds Libraries team from the moment we heard it, and we hope that we can help create a memory that George and his family will remember forever.”

Also special is George’s mode of transportation to the library, with the sci-fi fan being driven to the venue in the iconic Ghostbusters car, Ecto-1.

Make-A-Wish UK have helped to organise George’s wish.

The charities’ aim is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Jason Suckley, chief executive at Make-A-Wish UK, said: “When a child like George is diagnosed with a critical condition, the joy of childhood is brought to an abrupt end with treatment plans, hospital appointments and worry taking over.

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“The power of a wish – in this case, being a Ghostbuster for the day - brings light and joy to children and their loved ones, and we’re very grateful to Leeds Libraries for their support in bringing this wish to life.”

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