Mum Heidi Gilmour couldn't have been happier when she gave birth to her son Alfie six years ago. But her joy was short lived when doctors found her son had a that affects fewer than 500 children worldwide.

Alfie has , leaving him with development delays, intellectual disability and dysmorphic facial features. He now requires full-time palliative care to help manage his symptoms. Heidi, 45, says: "We found out when he was six or seven weeks old. The doctors asked us to come in, and I had already Googled the possibilities. Pallister-Killian was the best of a bad bunch. But even so, it was terrifying."

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And despite the everyday struggles Alfie and Heidi face, they were in for a surprise after they were referred to the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK. Since 1986, Make-A-Wish UK has granted thousands of life-changing wishes to children , focusing on experiences that bring the kids joy or create lasting memories.

Alfie finds his greatest joy in warm water, Heidi says. "He loves water. He loves a hydropool. So when I was referred to Make-A-Wish UK, I knew exactly what he'd want – a hot tub."

Two years on, the hot tub remains much used at the family’s home in Herne Bay, Kent. Heidi says: “His little face beams when he’s in there, floating and relaxed. It’s not just for us – the whole family and our friends enjoy it. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.”

Alfie, she says, is doing well. “He’s meeting all his goals at school and we’ve noticed some improvement in his vision. He’s started tracking things from far away. It used to just be lights but it’s people now so it’s looking positive.”

The charity recently got back in touch with Heidi to offer her and Alfie a day of pampering and a fashion makeover with pop star . The unexpected treat was the foundation’s way, with the help of high street retailer Peacocks, of letting the mums know just how special they are ahead of Mother’s Day today.

Louise, 50, Peacock’s brand ambassador and a mum of two herself, says: “It was so special to see the transformation. It’s not just about what people are wearing but the feeling of confidence that then shows in someone’s face. I loved getting everybody ready and I loved going through the rail of clothes. What was so lovely was when each of the ladies saw themselves being photographed and on screen. You could just see the confidence throughout the day really grow.”

And no-one is more deserving than these mums, who do their utmost to see their children happy. Peacocks is a dedicated partner, raising funds through in-store promotions, customer donations and awareness campaigns.

Heidi, alongside two other mums, get to keep the images with their children forever. She adds: “To walk away with those pictures and an amazing memory – that’s something I will treasure forever. It’s not just about the wish itself, but the lasting impact it has on our lives.”

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