Britain’s leading MXGP contender Shaun Simpson reinforced his reputation as being one of the nicest guys in the International paddock, when he took time out to visit a very special fan whilst back in his native Scotland for the Winter period. Eleven year old Tommy Miller was granted his wish to meet Shaun by Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK, which grants wishes to children and young people fighting serious and life-threatening illnesses.

Tommy a young motorsport enthusiast from Kirkwall in Scotland who is battling a form of cancer was given the ultimate treat - a day out with his hero and inspiration, known to others as simply Shaun Simpson. Tommy is a huge motocross fan and was a regular rider up at his local motocross club in Orkney before his illness. Tommy had been invited to meet his hero Shaun, who used to be a member of the same motocross club, in Belgium but had been unable to do so as he was being treated for Osteosarcoma – a type of Bone Cancer.

Tommy was therefore delighted when Shaun made a special stop-off in Glasgow earlier this week to spend some time with his brave fan. Tommy got to spend the morning with Shaun at AMF Bowling in Glasgow. The two spoke at length about motocross and swapped stories during a friendly yet competitive bowling match. They then moved from bowling to burgers as they enjoyed a complimentary lunch at neighbouring Frankie and Benny’s restaurant, courtesy of Make-A-Wish.

It was during lunch that Shaun sprung the biggest surprise of the day, as he presented Tommy with a full set of signed replica race wear. After lunch the two said goodbye, however the fun was not over for brave Tommy who had some spending money and lots of happy memories, with which to remember his day. Shaun and Tommy are now friends on Facebook and have agreed to keep in touch.

Tommy’s Mum Natalie Edwards, who accompanied her son during his day out, said: “Tommy had such an amazing day. Shaun was so nice to us and made Tommy feel so special. Shaun was always Tommy’s idol and will be even more so now! It was more than we could have ever hoped for. We are so grateful to Shaun, his brother Stefan and Make-A-Wish.”

There are currently twenty thousand children and young people in the UK fighting a life-threatening illness and by 2012 Make-A-Wish is aiming to grant at least one thousand wishes a year. To grant all these Make-A-Wish needs to raise at least five million pounds in 2010.

For more information about Make-A-Wish please visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk  or telephone 01276 40 50 60.

Keep up to date with Shaun's season on his official website at www.shaunsimpson.com