Saturday 1st August saw a magical experience take place for 6 year old Mackenna Channing and her adorable family- Denise (Mum) John (Dad) Ben (Big Bro) and Aaron (Little Bro)

The Joshua Foundation provided the chance for Mackenna and her family to spend the day with Clair Cooper, Miss UniverseGB 2009. The whole day was a celebration as it was the final day Clair was in the UK before she was jet setting off to the Bahamas for her participation in the final of Miss Universe 2009.

The day started with Mackenna and her family being picked up by Clair in a white stretch limousine. Everyone was so excited for the day ahead and didn’t know what to expect!!

From there the Limo took them all to the prestigious Langham Hotel which was fit for a Princess such as Mackenna!! What they didn’t know was they had been upgraded to a luxury Suite with sweets and chocolate awaiting in their room AND….movies beyond movies with freshly made popcorn!!!!

After a quick check in- they all got straight back into the Limo for their ride to Hamleys!!!! What a sight to see!!! Mackenna had spending money courtesy of The Langham Hotel and The Joshua Foundation- the problem was- there was too much to see…it was a Princesses paradise!!! Eventually after much consideration Mackenna managed to purchase a The Tree House from Sylvanian Families with extra pets to go with it AND……”Chance” a beautiful “Build-a-Bear” puppy with pink collar and - Mackenna’s favourite colour!!!

After Hamley’s the limo arrived at Hard Rock Café where they met Sarah Cornelius Chief Executive of The Joshua Foundation and more importantly Joshua’s Mother and her partner Ben Price for dinner. Everyone enjoyed there Chicken Wings and BBQ Ribs and Mackenna stuck into her Sausage and Mash Potato!!!

It was now time to see this luxury Suite at The Langham- we all got back in the limo and just before we arrived at The Langham it was time to say our “Goodbyes” to Clair as she was going straight to the airport for her overnight stay before her long haul flight to the Bahamas. We all gave our kisses and wished her the best of luck on her journey- What a beacon for Great Britain!!!!

The Suite was………..GORGEOUS…..completely fitting for a Princess such as Mackenna and there was plenty of room to get straight into building The Tree House and watch the endless movies!!!

The following morning after breakfast, Mackenna and her family enjoyed a leisurely morning before their journey back home by the Limousine.

What a weekend and I can safely say that our “Princess” style weekend was a success!!! Such a beautiful, loving family and I want to personally thank you for making our weekend such a wonderful experience.

The whole day was particularly apt as it was 11 years to the day to when Joshua Cornelius asked his mum in Planet Hollywood, Leicester Square if “a meal could be arranged for other children from his oncology unit”. This was the moment which gave Sarah Cornelius enough magic to start The Joshua Foundation in loving memory of her son. To date The Joshua has raised £5 million for children with terminal cancer.

Ben Price
Miss UniverseGB Coordinator
Trustee to The Joshua Foundation