Dying child's last wish granted

A five-year-old terminally ill child, who’s biggest concern was Christmas more than death, had his wish granted at last -- dying in the arms of Santa Claus and catching Christmas before time.

Eric Schmitt-Matzen, who portrays Saint Nick in Knoxville, Tennesee, gave an emotional interview and narrated his encounter with the ill child.

Schmitt-Matzen said that he received a call from hospital where a nurse asked him to see a severely unwell child that wanted to see Santa Claus.

The nurse said that the child was concerned that he might not make it till Christmas.

"When I got there, it was my job to make sure he got Christmas," Schmitt-Matzen said, speaking to NBC affiliate WBIR.

He narrated his meeting with the child which can reduce even the toughest people to tears.

Schmitt-Matzen, while impersonating Santa Claus, entered into the boy's room and saw him in a very weak state.

Schmitt-Matzen told the child that he’s not going to miss Christmas and elves already had his present (the child’s favourite toy was handed over to him by mother of the boy).

The boy was exceedingly happy upon seeing the gift although he was so weak he could hardly unwrap it, said Schmitt-Matzen.

He asked the boy about his concern of missing Christmas to which the boy replied ‘I have heard I am going to die’.

"When you get up those pearly gates, you just tell them you're Santa's number one elf,” said Matzen to the child.

“I am?” said the boy with a grin on his face.

The most touching part of the story came when Schmitt-Matzen hugged the boy who looked up at him and asked if he could help him.

“It was then he passed away,” said Schmitt-Matzen.

He said that he held the boy for a while but left the room sobbing uncontrollably.