When Annie met Cheryl Cole

“I’d say to any other parents, nominate your child – any dream is possible. Everyone at Make-A-Wish has bent over backwards for us.” Mum Lynn’s words after her daughter Annie recently met her idol Cheryl Cole …

Annie (who’s from Merseyside) is battling a Brain Tumour and, while she’s a big fan of Girls Aloud generally, likes Cheryl Cole most of all. The band are all doing their own thing at the moment, but we were able to arrange for Annie to visit the set in London where Cheryl was filming her latest video.

After the trip down from Liverpool, the family enjoyed a meal at The Rainforest Café the evening before the big day. Then it was up early and into a pink stretch limo for the trip to the film set. After a brief wait, the singer appeared in all her finery from the video shoot. Annie was a little overawed at first to meet in person someone she’s long admired from afar, but she soon opened up and it wasn’t long before the two were chatting away, Cheryl telling Annie how much she admired her glittery eyeshadow.

All too soon, after some autograph-signing and a few soon-to-be-treasured photos, it was time to say goodbye. There was a chance for one more treat for the family (Lynn, Dad Mike and brother Will) before they headed back to Liverpool – a visit to the famous Madame Tussauds.

Lynn had a little more to say before they left:  ”From the moment we found out it might be possible for Annie to meet her idol, this wish has been something for her to focus on and to get well for – something to achieve, something to live for.

“No words can explain what this will mean to Annie; this will stick with her for ever and it’s been a highlight for us, too. It’s a treat to spend quality time together.

“A huge thank you to the Make-A-Wish team – everything was so easy and now we have the memories of this to spur us on.”

In 2010, around 1,000 children will turn to Make-A-Wish to have their special wish granted. We need to raise £5 million this year in order to continue granting these magical wishes. Please help Make-A-Wish to grant more magical wishes by making a donation from your pay today