A Bradford teenager who survived meningitis as a baby and is now battling a rare form of bone cancer is to have his wish to fly in an old-fashioned aeroplane come true.

Connor Lancaster, 14, of Wibsey , has been diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a type of bone cancer which affects fewer than 30 children in the UK each year.

He was diagnosed in January this year and has undergone chemotherapy on the Teenage Cancer Trust ward at Leeds General Infirmary and surgery at the Birmingham Royal Orthopaedic Hospital to remove the tumour and the pubic bone on the left side of his pelvis. He is on three types of antibiotics after suffering infections and starting on Friday next week he faces five weeks of radiotherapy.

But before that ordeal begins the youngster, who attends Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, will experience a flight in a Tiger Moth on Thursday – thanks to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

The charity has arranged for Connor, an aeroplane and history buff, to join them at Popham Airfield Escape in Winchester, the biggest annual open-air party for sick children to be held by Starlight.

As well as the flight in the Second World War biplane, Connor will fly in a helicopter, accompanied by his 70-year-old uncle Trevor White, of Beacon Road, Wibsey, who inspired his love of aeroplanes as a small child.

Connor’s mum, Julie, 35, said: “He can’t wait – he is ecstatic. It has come at a good time because his radiotherapy starts on Friday at Jimmy’s, so this is the nice bit before the worst bit.

“He has had a couple of infections from the operations and he has been a bit down and fed up but he has this to pick him up and he will ride on the high of it for a few weeks to come.”

A spokesman for Starlight Children’s Foundation said: “Starlight aims to brighten the lives of seriously and terminally ill children and we are delighted that we are able to grant Connor’s wish.

“A Starlight wish gives very poorly children and young people something to look forward to and a happy memory to treasure. We hope that Connor’s wish will be a very special experience for him.”

To refer a child for a wish or to make a donation, visit starlight.org.uk