THEY are usually the expensive playthings of the rich and famous, but young Jacob Eales joined an exclusive club this week when he was taken for a spin in a £100,000 Ferrari.

The nine-year-old from Blackwood was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December, and has undergone a gruelling course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Llandough Hospital.

But on his frequent trips to the hospital, one of the highlights of the journey came when they drove past the Ferrari garage on Penarth Road, Cardiff.

His mother, Sara, of Libanus Road, said: "Jacob loves the cars and driving past the garage. It has always been his dream to go in a fast car. "On one occasion we stopped and had a look inside the garage, and the manager asked about Jacob, because he did not have any hair because of his treatment.

"We said that he had been poorly, and the manager said to give us a ring to arrange for him to go out with him in the car."

Jacob's dream come true when he went out for a ride in the car with the garage manager.

"He was absolutely thrilled," said Sara. "He was given a Ferrari hat and brochure, which he was really chuffed with. It was just a wonderful day. His favourite driver is Michael Schumacher, so it was a dream come true to have a ride in a Ferrari."

Jacob's parents, Sara and David, have started their own appeal to raise money for Llandough Hospital's LATCH.

She said: "They have been wonderful to us, a great help, so we want to thank them by raising as much money as possible. If anyone would like to help, especially local businesses, we would love to hear from them. We have already had support from the Square Caf and Llewellyn's Garage, in Blackwood."

Contact the Argus on 01633 777006 if you would like to help Sara and David's fundraising appeal.