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Gravesend ellenor hospice make West Kingsdown boy's Star Wars wish come true with help of 'phenomenal' mural artist

A teenage boy with a rare genetic disorder was left "speechless" after his carer teamed up with a mural artist to make his dream Star Wars-themed bedroom a reality.

Troy, from West Kingsdown, has spinal muscular atrophy type two, a condition which affects the control of muscle movement.

Troy with his Star Wars themed mural art
Troy with his Star Wars themed mural art

It means the 14-year-old is unable to walk, is wheelchair based and is under the care of ellenor hospice, based in Coldharbour Road, Gravesend.

Emma Leaver, ellenor children's care assistant said: “I have looked after Troy for roughly seven years. Troy is a boy who never asks for anything.

"He informed me that he was having his room decorated but he wanted to make it special."

It was then that Emma suggested to Troy he have his wardrobes painted into something he loves, such as Star Wars.

With this thought in mind the pair peered through designs and came across the work of a local artist, Arthur Dess, who specialises in painting murals for children.

"Troy was just frozen. He could not believe his eyes,"

Emma added: "Troy was truly amazed by Arthur's work and said I would love that in my room, I would like this as my wish.

She then reached out to Arthur who kindly agreed to grant Troy's wish.

The Essex-based artist arrived at Troy's house later that month and set about dramatically transforming his walls with eye catching illustrations of Star Wars characters The Mandalorian and Darth Vader.

When it came to the big reveal Emma blindfolded Troy before bringing him inside and revealing the intergalactic masterpiece.

"Troy was just frozen. He could not believe his eyes," she added. "He said that he was speechless."

"But not only was his work amazing in the light, when Arthur put on a UV light the wall just glowed. His work is just absolutely fantastic”.

Artist Arthur Dess said: "As a father of two young children I was moved to tears by the story.

"I spoke to my wife who agreed that we must support ellenor and make Troy’s dream come true. Troy has sent a lovely thank you message, I feel very humbled that I could do something for him!”

Click here to see more of his work.

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