Critically ill boy fulfils dream to be tank soldier for a day

Noah took part in a field exercise on Salisbury Plain, kitted out in a custom-made uniform and helmet

An 11-year-old boy with a critical illness has been given a day to remember, thanks to the Royal Tank Regiment on Salisbury Plain.

Noah, who has an undiagnosed complex lung condition, loves tanks and wished to be a soldier for a day.

The charity Make-A-Wish approached the regiment, which organised a day out at their headquarters in Tidworth.

"I really didn't think it would be this brilliant. I love it so much," said Noah.

Guard of honour

Noah was kitted out with his own custom-made uniform, a black beret with the Royal Tank Regiment cap badge and an official identity pass, giving him access to the garrison.

Welcomed with a guard of honour, Noah was then given a hands-on lesson in the weapons systems and a tour of the specialist tank simulators.

Noah was given a hands-on lesson in the weapons systems

"This is something money can't buy," said his mother Emma. "That's why it was special."

"You can see it in his face, it means the world to him," said his father Martin.

"This is incredible for him. He's been treated like royalty and there's even soldiers saluting him."

Noah fulfilled his dream to ride in a real tank at the headquarters of the Royal Tank Regiment in Tidworth

Noah, who is from Leyland, Lancashire, requires many trips to hospital as he deals with his critical illness.

The day out ended with a field exercise, where Noah even fulfilled his dream to ride in a real tank.

He said the trip was "so much better than I imagined".

"I'm excited to tell my friends and I think I might be quite popular," he added.

Squadron leader Major James Stanton said: "It's a really unique moment. We, as the regiment, felt we had to do our all to give him the best day out that we could."

Lunch was eating rations on exercise with other troops