Leeds Libraries to help make a boy’s Ghostbusters wish come true

Working with the charity Make-A-Wish, Leeds Libraries will be helping to grant the wish of eight-year-old George, who lives with Ebstein anomaly, a rare and life-limiting congenital heart defect which means only half of his heart functions properly.

George’s wish is to become a Ghostbuster for the day, with his love for the famous film franchise starting from when he was six years old. The films have been a constant source of support for him, with his Ghostbuster figurines even accompanying him into his third open-heart surgery in March 2020.

Speaking ahead of his visit, George said: “When I’m in hospital, it’s a bit scary. But just like the Ghostbusters, I try to face my fears. I try to be brave.”

To help bring his wish to life, the Leeds Libraries team have been working with Make-A-Wish to get into the spirit and transform Leeds Central Library into a ghoul-infested haunted house.

In particular, the Yorkshire Room in the library will be dressed to fit the spooky setting and ghosts will be projected onto the walls. The East Midlands Ghostbusters will also be on hand to assist George throughout his adventure.

And if that wasn’t enough, to travel to the library from his home in Harrogate, George will be driven in the Ghostbusters’ iconic car, Ecto-1.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Robert W Gettings MBE JP said: “It’s truly heart-warming that Leeds Libraries has been able to help grant George’s wish to become a Ghostbuster.

“Leeds Libraries hold resources that document our culture and brings our heritage to life. But by being able to help George and his family, we are able to show the power of the library in a different way.”

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

ENDS