An Iron Man-daft Scots youngster has seen his dreams come true after his idol Robert Downey Jr. gave him a FaceTime call following a viral appeal.
In March, the Evening Times reported how seven-year-old Aaron Hunter, from Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire, called on the Avengers superhero for help in beating a deadly disease.
Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation and Autonomic Dysregulation - or ROHHAD - is an extremely rare, life-threatening, limiting, and complex medical condition affecting approximately just 100 children worldwide.
In a very touching video, Aaron said: “Iron Man, if you see this I really, really need your help.
“I have a very bad disease called ROHHAD and it’s really hard sometimes.
Please RT and help Aaron reach IronMan #AaronNeedsIronman he has terminal ROHHAD Disease & has special message 4 fav hero @RobertDowneyJr pic.twitter.com/9fppkTpKvB
— ROHHAD Association (@ROHHAD_GLOBAL) January 28, 2017
“The doctors don’t have a cure yet - some of my friends with ROHHAD have died.
“I don’t want any more of my friends to die. We need your help, Iron Man.”
Today, charity the ROHHAD Association has confirmed the appeal reached Downey Jr. who has been playing the superhero on the big screen since 2008.
The charity said: “Robert Downey Jr. has seen Aaron’s video appeal and the support and kindness he has shown to him since has just been incredible.
“Aaron received a special FaceTime call from his favourite hero that was magical and such a blessing to watch unfold.
“During their chat, Aaron asked him the question that he has been so desperate to ask; ‘Can you please do my #GOMADJUMPFORROHHAD Challenge? and help me raise awareness for all the ROHHAD kids around the world?’”
The challenge came about based on Aaron’s love of jumping in puddles. Therefore, he’s asking people to jump up and down in a puddle for one minute to raise, not only awareness of his condition, but also vital funds.
BEST NEWS EVER Aaron has spoken to @RobertDowneyJr 😄👇🏼 Please click link to Facebook to read some amazing news https://t.co/ulfBNFwByf https://t.co/s6dwYOXeDu
— ROHHAD Association (@ROHHAD_GLOBAL) May 12, 2017
The charity added: “The most amazing news is that Robert said yes. He told him he would love to do his challenge and made him feel so special.
“Iron Man has answered our brave boy’s plea for help and, in doing so, has made him the happiest little boy in the world. He has not stopped smiling since and told us he feels he is the luckiest boy in the world because he is now best friends with Iron Man.
“Thanks to Robert Downey Jr., his team, and the team at Marvel Universal. Aaron has had the most incredible time of his life.”
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