TWO ill youngsters have spoken of their joy at taking part in a dream holiday during which they experienced the rare treat of swimming with dolphins.

Emily Willis, 10, of Newcastle, and Lewis Cole, 11, of Sunderland, joined nearly 200 sick and seriously ill and disadvantaged children from the UK, who left their families behind and conquered their fears on charity-funded sunshine holiday in America.

The group spent 10 days in Florida on the annual Dreamflight trip, having been nominated by doctors, nurses and care workers around the country.

The youngsters - some of whom require round-the-clock attention - visited the likes of SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Disney World during an all-adventure tour of the Sunshine State.

For many, the trip represented the first time away from home, with volunteer healthcare professionals acting as chaperones.

As a final treat, children were given the opportunity to swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove in Orlando.

Emily said: “I was at the hospital getting my bloods done for my eyes when I was told I was going on Dreamflight and so I just cried for an hour-and-a-half - I couldn’t believe it, I was so happy.

“I hadn’t been on holiday or a plane before, so it was obviously really exciting for me and my friends were all really happy for me too.

“Everything on Dreamflight has been brilliant. We’ve all had so much fun and we’ve been to exciting places - now I just want to explore as many places as I can.”

Lewis said: “I have cystic fibrosis and so I was in a hospital room when my mum told me I was coming on Dreamflight, but she apparently wasn’t meant to tell me so I had to keep it quiet and act surprised when the doctors told me properly two months later.

“I have had a bit of a hard time with medication, so I was quite excited to go to America and because none of my friends have done it either.

“Both my nanas cried when they found out, so I think they’ve probably missed me being home.”

Several of the children were carefully lifted from their wheelchairs to get into the water, where instructors and carers helped them get up close with the mammals, while others overcame acute phobias to take part.

The charity is celebrating its 31st year, having been supported by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, for its maiden flight, while a host of celebrities including golfer Ian Poulter, singer Sir Cliff Richard, and television couple Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have given up their time to help out.

Charity founder Pat Pearce said Dreamflight’s longevity was testament to the support of its legion of supporters and benefactors - with only four employees receiving a salary, and the majority of the work being carried out by volunteers.

The 73-year-old said: “I think it’s the smiles on the children’s faces that makes it worth it for everyone, every year.

“Even the bigger boys in the group have come up to me, given me a hug, and said how grateful they are for Dreamflight.”