Harrison Blanchflower, who suffered permanent brain damage after a rare complication from parvovirus B19 when he was three, celebrated his sixth birthday on Thursday, September 3.
His mum Alexandra Ramscar had previously appealed to the community to help Harrison experience the kind of birthday celebration many children take for granted.
Harrison's condition means he cannot walk or talk and is fed through a tube, while his difficulties with socialising have meant he has missed out on birthday parties and other childhood experiences.
But on his birthday, Dunstable made sure it was one to remember; two fire engines arrived, alongside bikes from two separate motorcycle groups, WotBoyz and RPM Bikerz, as well as countless cars.
There was a fire engine-themed cake made by Cakes by Kelly, while Drapers Desserts arrived with ice cream and a Superman-themed car also joined the celebrations.
People stopped to wave, beep their horns and sing Happy Birthday to Harrison, while some played his two favourite songs – We're Going to Ibiza and the Ghostbusters theme tune – and bubbles were also blown for him as the celebrations continued around him.
Harrison was also given the chance to meet the Blue Watch crew from Dunstable Fire Station.
The firefighters sat with him, sang Happy Birthday and helped him sit inside a fire engine. They also gave him a firefighter's hat and a birthday card.
Alexandra said: “He was so, so happy. I don’t think I’ve seen him smile that much in a long time, surrounded by so much love.”
The celebrations continued on Saturday when Harrison and his family visited Dunstable Fire Station to meet the Red Watch crew.
They showed the family what firefighters wear, explained what they do and gave them a detailed look at what is inside the fire engines.
The crew even carried out a practice call, before everyone was given the chance to use the water hose.
Alexandra said the firefighters “really took their time with Harrison and made him feel so special”.
The family also shared cake with the firefighters and sang Happy Birthday, while Harrison was given a top and jumper to make him feel like a real fireman.
Harrison's brain injury remains unchanged, and he continues to be wheelchair-bound.
But his family is hoping he will soon be able to have surgery on his legs, which they hope will eventually allow him to stand again in his standing frame.
Alexandra said: "Royal Brompton Hospital are very happy with his heart, so that is just the best news ever!”
For Alexandra, the birthday celebrations were about much more than fire engines, cars and cakes.
She said they gave Harrison the opportunity to experience the same love and excitement that other children feel on their birthdays.
“I can’t even begin to explain how grateful I am to the Dunstable community and to my family and friends who always show up to support Harrison,” she said.
“He is just the best boy. He deserves to be celebrated.
“Everything he went through to come out the other side smiling, happy and getting to feel the love any other child feels on their birthday has been the best gift.
“Thank you so much – you’ve all made a very special boy so happy.”
