Batkid: Donors Pay San Francisco's $105k Bill

A wealthy couple have paid the $105,000 which San Francisco spent making a five-year-old leukaemia patient's wish come true in an elaborate Batman display.

Philanthropists John and Marcia Goldman picked up the tab for staging the fantasy for Miles Scott last November.

The city-wide event captured the nation's imagination as the young Batman fan participated in the fantasy arranged by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The event attracted thousands of spectators and police blocked off roads as they escorted Miles - donning a full Batman costume - as he rescued a damsel in distress from cable car tracks.

He also captured the Riddler as he robbed a downtown bank and rode around the city in a black Lamborghini with Batman decals.

City officials say most of the $105,000 (£64,000) in public funds went toward renting a sound system, video screens and other equipment to accommodate the surprisingly large crowds that turned out to see Batkid in action.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported in November that the city planned to pay the bill using money charged to conventions that use the Moscone Center.

Mr Goldman told the Chronicle that he and his wife were moved by the city's participation in making the young boy's dream come true.

He said: "When we read in your column how the Make-A-Wish Foundation was trying to raise the money to pay back the city for the setup and public safety costs surrounding the event, we thought, 'Wait a minute - they shouldn't have to pay for such a good deed and such an amazing event.'"

Miles was diagnosed with leukaemia at 18 months old and is now in remission.

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