Firefighters gave a toddler, who had been battling serious illness, a trip he will never forget.

Two-year-old Eddie Haworth fell ill in March this year and was diagnosed with a Group A streptococcal infection, which gave him pneumonia, septicaemia and resulted in his body going into toxic shock.

He was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at St Mary's hospital in Paddington for 13 days and in total spent over five weeks in the hospital.

In intensive care, mum Clare regularly read fire engine mad Eddie one of his favourite books, “Fire Engine is Flashing”.

After learning of Eddie’s interest, a nurse arranged for the youngster to visit Leytonstone fire station to meet firefighters and get behind the wheel of a real fire engine.

Clare said: ““Eddie absolutely loved his visit and still talks about our trip.

“His favourite part was definitely sitting in the driver’s seat and pressing all of the buttons. He came along in his own firefighter’s outfit, but loved dressing up in the real gear - especially the gloves.

“The firefighters were so friendly and really went out of their way to ensure that he had a fun visit, so I’d like to thank them again for making a little boy very happy! He keeps asking when can he visit again.”

Eddie is now recovering and seems to have no long-lasting effects from his illness.

Firefighter Nyrox Reid, who is on the red watch at Leytonstone fire station, said: “It was our pleasure to show Eddie and his mum round the station, he is a lovely little boy.

“We are really pleased that he is doing so well health-wise and would gladly show him round again if he would like another visit.”

Clare is supporting the More Smiles Appeal, which aims to raise £2 million for the development of the children’s intensive care unit at St Mary’s Hospital.