Six–year–old Oliver, from Sheffield, who is fighting spinal muscular atrophy had his wish granted with the generous help and support of South Yorkshire police.

Oliver’s wish experience started with a ride in a police car to police HQ when he was collected from home along with his parents. Oliver was signed in and had his photo taken before being presented to the chief constable, Meredydd Hughes, to be officially sworn in and presented with his badge and uniform.

It was then off to Sheffield city centre on patrol looking for criminals. It wasn’t long before Oliver’s services were called upon by the manager at WH Smith in Fargate, who had seen a "shoplifter". Oliver and staff officer to the deputy chief constable – Sgt Simon Owens went off in pursuit and soon found the culprit hiding in an alleyway. The cuffs came out and a jubilant Oliver led the way back to the shop with the thief in tow to accept the grateful thanks of the manager.

All that excitement meant that Oliver was ready for lunch – in the police staff restaurant of course. After lunch Oliver returned to school with his new colleagues in tow to show them his classroom and introduce his friends before being taken off to the police operations complex to see the helicopter.

Our special thanks go to South Yorkshire police and WH Smith for making Oliver’s wish such a wonderful day.

Oliver’s wish was kindly sponsored by guests who attended the 2006 Make–A–Wish Christmas Ball.