Poorly Shrewsbury schoolgirl's dreams of meeting pop star Olly Murs come true
A little girl who was diagnosed with leukaemia just days before her ninth birthday had her dream come true when she met her pop idol Olly Murs.
Lydia Griffiths was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in August last year and has been in and out of hospital ever since.
The nine-year-old has undergone blood transfusions, lumber punctures and bone marrow tests but continues fighting.
And while receiving treatment, Lydia, who is a pupil at The Grange Primary School in Shrewsbury, has been raising money for various causes.
Her mum Sarah said: "Last year we donated money to Birmingham Children's Hospital and also to the oncology department at the Royal Shrewsbury.
Make-A-Wish
"We are currently fundraising for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, we have held an auction, summer ball and now on December 1 we are holding a craft fair and are hoping to be able to present them with a cheque in the new year."
A few weeks ago Lydia had her wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Lydia told them she wanted to meet X Factor runner-up Olly Murs for months and finally her dream was fulfilled.
"We also had a lovely few days down in London, watching The Lion King, riding in a limo, having dinner at The Rainforest Cafe," said Mrs Griffiths.
"Lydia was so overcome with meeting Olly, she hasn't stopped smiling since.
"He was genuinely a very nice man, answered all Lydia's questions and even sang a song with her." Lydia's father David added that Lydia was still undergoing maintenance treatment for her illness.
"She is having chemotherapy and intensive treatment and she is doing well. The chemotherapy has caused her to have problems with her mobility and she is now in a wheelchair but she is still going to school, which is great for her.
"The day with Olly Murs was a real pick-me-up for Lydia. She burst into tears when he came into the room and he was so good with her. He gave her a hug and then asked her what her favourite song was and then sang it with her. She was so happy.
"I have to say, I wasn't a fan before meeting him but he is a really nice man."
Earlier this year, animal lover Lydia spent a day at Dudley Zoo learning about all her favourite species on a visit organised by the Shropshire Star. Pop superstar Gary Barlow has also sent her a get well message.
To help support her daughter, Sarah has set up a Facebook group called Lydia's Dream which has 1,500 followers. The craft fair takes place at the Eileen Sandford Community Centre in Harlescott from 2-5pm.
