A CLYDEBANK youngster battling liver disease had the time of her life in Florida thanks to a charity that allows children with a serious illness or disability to be whisked away on holiday.

Kayla McCulloch is one of 192 children that Dreamflight funded to visit Orlando for a 10-day trip while staying in the stunning Rosen Plaza hotel.

It was the first time the ten-year-old, who has sclerosing cholangitis, has been out of the country without her family.

A team of doctors’ nurses’, physiotherapists, and other volunteers are on hand to look after the children while they are away from home.

Elaine McCulloch, Kayla’s mum, told the Post: “We had a schedule of what they did every day and got small updates just saying she was keeping well and enjoying herself. I was always on Facebook looking for pictures of her and the smile on her face told us how much it meant to her.”

When arriving in Florida, the police closed the roads and gave the children an escort to their hotel, and the kids got the chance to visit all the major theme parks, including Universal Studios, Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

Elaine added: “I can’t express how amazing the trip was. Kayla had a blast. The things Dreamflight do for these kids is just absolutely amazing.

“They are going to these big parks through the day and still taking part in activities every night like a Halloween party and a barbecue.”

Kayla was successfully chosen to go on the holiday after being nominated by the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow.

Elaine said: “They must feel that she is improving to be doing something like this, which makes us proud as parents. She is very resilient – always happy, always smiling and always wanting to help other people.”

Another item was ticked off the youngster’s long bucket list after she got the chance to swim with dolphins in Discovery Cove.

Elaine added: “Kayla has got such a big bucket list that we have managed to minimise so much in the last year. She has always wanted to swim with dolphins, but the insurance for her to go on holiday is expensive. This trip is so special as it is provided by the charity.”

And as well as memories, Kayla has made a friend for life – her roommate on the trip, Rebecca, from Dumfries, who she spent a lot of time with.

Kayla told the Post: “I will never forget what Dreamflight has done for me. I have completed a lot of my wish list and without the charity, my escort Gaylene and co-ordinator Jenn, it would not have been possible.

“I now need to think of how I can say thank you and do some fund-raising. I have made lifelong friends and I don’t think I have stopped smiling, I can’t believe my dream holiday is over.”