A YOUNG boy who suffers from a rare genetic disorder fulfilled his lifelong dream thanks to a charity which grants wishes for seriously ill children.

Owen Howkins, from Basingstoke, met Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton at the Monaco Grand Prix after Starlight Children’s Foundation made his dream a reality.

The nine-year-old and his dad, William, were whisked away by Starlight for the trip of a lifetime, and enjoyed a special four-night break during which the pair watched the world famous Grand Prix.

Owen suffers from Schwartz-Jampel syndrome which means his muscles are permanently tensed, and he needs a wheelchair to get around.

As reported in The Gazette, Owen’s story of his incredible bond with his three-legged dog named Haatchi, was made into a book, published last year.

He joined four other children on the trip, which is the seventh year it has been organised by Starlight, and met some of his track heroes, including world champion Hamilton, Jenson Button and Nico RosbergSebastian Vettel, as well as F1 legends Sir Jackie Stewart and Sir Frank Williams.

Owen soaked up the atmosphere in the pit lane, hung out in the paddock, spent time at the Red Bull Energy Station and watched the race from luxurious surroundings at the Fairmont Hotel on the famous hairpin bend.

From start to finish, the trip was a dream come true for Owen, whose condition causes his hips to dislocate resulting in constant pain.

Owen’s dad said: “This trip has meant the world to us. It’s allowed Owen to fulfill his lifelong dream of watching the Monaco Grand Prix and meeting Lewis Hamilton. I was incredibly proud and happy to see this happen and that his mind, even if just for a moment, was taken off his constant struggles and pain.

“The whole experience has helped Owen immensely. He knows that he is not alone with his illness and has made new friends. Owen felt like and was treated like a movie star, thank you Starlight!”