Dream holiday for brave girl

2:40pm Wednesday 28th January 2004

Mickey Mouse was the furthest thing from the minds of members of the Savas family when the year began.

Their five-year-old daughter Anastasia was born with cystic fibrosis and needs medication every time she eats, as well as round-the-clock care.

But now the family-of-four will fly free to Disney World in Florida thanks to kind-hearted pharmacist Ajit Shah.

"I can't believe it - I'm really shocked," said Vas Savas, 40, of Oakleigh Road North, Whetstone, who visits the Oakleigh Pharmacy in Oakleigh Road North up to four times a week.

"When he told me I nearly kissed him. I just think it is such a nice thing he is doing.

"We have gone to hell and back in the last few years. So much has happened that I'm surprised we are still here. My husband had a heart attack a few years ago and Anastasia is in-and-out of hospital. My dad also died unexpectedly last year.

"We get on really well with Mr Shah. He's always smiling and seeing if he can help us. He gives little gifts out to the girls every now and then."

Mr Shah, who owns the pharmacy, was so touched by the family's story that he has written to suppliers asking them to contribute to the cost of the trip but, if they refuse, he said he will fund it himself.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease characterised by chronic lung infections and problems absorbing nutrients from food.

Before effective antibiotic drugs were available, almost all sufferers died in early childhood.

Now more than two thirds reach adulthood, but few in perfect health.

Mr Shah said: "I just feel like I am doing something worthwhile.

The family comes into the pharmacy at least three or four times a week and I have got to know them over the years. They are the nicest people you could ever imagine."