London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Apr 08, 2026

Ghostbusters fan wish comes true on Leeds library ghoul hunt

Ghostbusters fan wish comes true on Leeds library ghoul hunt

An eight-year-old Ghostbusters super fan has enjoyed an action-packed day hunting ghouls in a library in Leeds.

George, from Harrogate, has a rare form of congenital heart disease which means he was born with half a working heart.

The condition means he is unable to join in with some activities but said he had found a way to "face my fears and be brave" through the films.

His dream day involved a ride in the famous Ecto-1 vehicle before capturing a ghost at Leeds Central Library.

George, from Harrogate, has a rare form of congenital heart disease

George was joined by a team of Ghostbusters at Leeds Library


Organised by the charity Make-A-Wish, George's mum, Jane, said: "Any parents who have a child with an illness or a disability, especially a disability like George's heart condition, life can be difficult for them.

"[Today has] really made us grateful and it makes you feel that you're not alone. So many people have come together to recognise what he's been through but also what families like us go through.

"It's given us something that George will take with him for the rest of his life."

The youngster's day started with a ride in the film's famous Ecto-1 vehicle

The day was organised by charity Make-A-Wish


George's day started when he and his family were given a police escort into Leeds, where George was met with a guard of honour from local police, before enacting a scene in the library, which had been decked out in a spooky fashion.

The young ghoul hunter led four other Ghostbusters through the library in search of paranormal activity, before capturing a ghost, taking it to West Yorkshire Police and receiving a certificate of thanks from the mayor.

He said the day had "amazing written all over it".

"We managed to find [the ghost] and then zapped all of it," he added

"It just means I can do anything and nothing is out of my reach, it really made me confident and I tried to not get scared."

Leeds Central Library was given a spooky makeover for the event

I ain't afraid of no ghost: George was challenged to capture a ghoul at the library

George said the day had "amazing written all over it"

George fell in love with the film franchise, which started in 1984, after watching the movies two years ago.

Speaking last week he said: "When I'm in hospital, it's a bit scary. But just like the Ghostbusters, I try to face my fears. I try to be brave."

Ahead of Sunday, George also received messages from members of the original Ghostbusters cast Dan Ackroyd and Ernie Hudson.

Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Bill Murray in a scene from Ghostbusters


Joanne Porter, content manager at Make-A-Wish UK, said it had been a "phenomenal" day.

"We're just blown away by the number of people who gave their time and their venue and gifts to make George and his family extremely happy.

"Memories that will stay with all of us, I think, for a very long time."


George's dream day involved capturing a ghost at Leeds Central Library.


Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
UK Denies Visa to Kanye West After Sponsors Withdraw from Wireless Festival
Trump-Era Forest Service Restructuring Leads to Closure of UK Lab Focused on Kentucky Woodland Health
Foreign Students in the UK Describe Harsh Living Conditions and Financial Pressures
Reform UK Proposes Visa Restrictions on Nations Pursuing Reparations Claims
Public Reaction Divides Over UK Decision to Bar Kanye West
Calls Grow for UK to Review US Base Access Following Concerns Over Escalating Rhetoric
UK Indicates It Will Not Permit Use of Its Bases for Potential US Strikes on Iran’s Energy Infrastructure
UK Prime Minister Defends Decision to Bar Kanye West, Questions Festival Booking
UK Accelerates Efforts to Harmonise Medical Technology Rules with United States
Wireless Festival Cancelled After Kanye West Denied Entry to the United Kingdom
Australia’s most decorated living soldier was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of war-crime murder for the killing of unarmed Afghan civilians
The CIA’s Secret Technology That Can Find You by Your Heartbeat Successfully Locates Downed Airman
Operation Europe: Trump Deploys Vance to Hungary to Save the EU
King Charles Faces Criticism From Some UK Christians Over Absence of Easter Message
Former UK Defence Secretary Raises Concerns Over Ability to Counter Iran Missile Threat
UK Signals Non-Involvement in Iran Conflict as Trump Reasserts Firm Deterrence Stance
US and UK Strengthen Medical Device Cooperation Following Tariff Removal
Trump Backs Steve Hilton for California Governor, Highlighting Reform Agenda
UK Seeks Closer Ties With Anthropic as AI Policy Divergence Emerges Across Atlantic
Experts Warn of Evolving Extremism After Teens Arrested in UK Ambulance Arson Case
UK Convenes Talks to Safeguard Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz After Conflict Escalation
Trump Highlights Strong Leadership in Critique of UK Stance on Iran
UK Authorities Review Kanye West’s Entry Status Following Festival Backlash
UK Considers Deploying Aircraft Carrier for US Independence Day Celebrations Amid Renewed Transatlantic Focus
United Kingdom Moves to Attract AI Firm Anthropic Amid Tensions with US Defense Officials
RAF Intercepts Iranian Drones in Middle East to Defend Allied Security Interests
Labour Signals Shift on Foie Gras and Fur Restrictions to Advance EU Trade Talks
Seven Arrested Near RAF Base as UK Authorities Respond to Protest Activity
Economic Pressures Mount as Analysts Warn UK Growth Is Being Constrained by Policy Burdens
UK Green Party’s Push for Church-State Separation Sparks Debate Over National Identity
Strategic Island Emerges as Growing Challenge for United States and United Kingdom Defense Planning
Pepsi Pulls Sponsorship from UK Festival Following Backlash Linked to Kanye West
Signs Emerge of Declining Enthusiasm for Social Media in the United Kingdom
Security Alert Raised Ahead of Meghan Markle’s Planned Visit to Australia
UK Food Halls Defy Hospitality Slowdown, Emerging as Bright Spot in Challenging Market
UK Sets Firm Conditions for Military Action, Insisting on Legal Mandate and Clear Strategy
UK Medicines Regulator Launches Probe into Peptide Clinics Over Health Claims
New North Sea Drilling Unlikely to Significantly Cut UK Gas Imports, Analysis Finds
Woman Linked to UK’s First All-Female Terror Plot Faces Deportation
Downed US Aircraft Over Iran Linked to Operations from UK Airfield
Two Men and Teen Detained in UK Following Attack on Jewish Charity Ambulance
UK Police Launch Inquiry After Firearms Left Unattended Outside Mayor’s Residence
Giuffre Family Calls on King Charles to Meet Epstein Survivors During US Visit
Amber Wind Warning Issued as Storm Dave Approaches Parts of the United Kingdom
Prince Harry and Meghan’s Australia Visit Set to Draw Heightened Global Attention
UK Considers Entry Fees for Overseas Visitors at Major Museums Ahead of 2026 Travel Season
UK Prime Minister and Kuwait Crown Prince Coordinate Security Response After Regional Escalation
Calls Grow to Expand Fully Paid Maternity Leave for UK Teachers Amid Workforce Pressures
UK Secures Tariff-Free Access to US Market in Landmark Pharmaceuticals Agreement
Trump Projects Strength in Critique of UK Leadership and Naval Readiness
×