SINCE he was a boy, Phil Watson, from Knaresborough, has dreamed of just one thing; becoming an RAF fighter pilot.

But five years ago he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Three years of chemotherapy gave him a 12-month remission and he went to university to study outdoor education.

But then he developed leukaemia and at the end of this month Phil, now 19, must undergo a bone marrow transplant at Cookridge Hospital, Leeds.

To boost Phil's spirits before the surgery, Yorkshire charity Make A Dream took him to be a pilot for the day at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York.

His mother, Margaret, said: "When he looked out of his window on the morning of the treat he told me there was a Rolls Royce parked outside. He took a lot of convincing that its chauffeur was there to take him on his dream day out."

Phil had a go on the base's flight simulator before spending time with pilots as an honorary member of 207 Squadron.

His mother, Margaret, said: "When he was first diagnosed with lymphoma, Phil was given chemotherapy on a daily basis.

"This eventually reduced to once a week. Now he is on oral chemotherapy tablets.

"Next week, he goes to Cookridge for a scan and this will be followed by five days of total body radiation ahead of his bone marrow transplant. Phil has always looked to the future and is a very positive young man. We are taking things one day at a time."

Because of his love of aircraft, as a youngster Phil joined his local air cadet squadron - 1953 Knaresborough - and has flown before. But he said nothing compared to his virtual flight of fancy in a Tucano plane through the valleys of the Lake District.

Because it was a simulated mission, staff allowed him to break a few rules and he managed to touch down on the Humber Bridge - a feat unlikely to be equalled.

Phil said: "The best bit by far was flying the Tucano simulator. It was fantastic."

Make A Dream founder Francine Levin said: "Everyone at the base has been amazing in arranging everything at such short notice."

Pupils grill RAF pilots on fact-finding mission

YOUNGSTERS from a York pupil referral unit (PRU) have spent the day with the RAF.

The Fulford Cross-based Danesgate centre, like other PRUs, has a remit to provide suitable and appropriate education to children of compulsory school age who, because of illness or exclusion, are unable to attend a mainstream school.

Danesgate also provides education for school-aged mothers and pregnant schoolgirls. The unit took its pupils to RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York, where they were able to tackle questions set in their portfolio by chatting to pilots and engineers. They also had a chance to hone problem-solving skills with base staff.

Steve Halksworth, a teacher at Danesgate, said: "We care for a range of disaffected students in York.

"Some have emotional and social behaviour needs. Grouping by age and the nature of referral enables us to match education more closely to individual needs."

  • Pictures: Matt Clark