The Rays of Sunshine charity arranged for an Aycliffe girl to meet her idols “One Direction”. Lauren Armstrong is 11 years old and attends Woodham Academy and has undergone three major operations. Lauren had a brain tumour removed at the age of 6 and has had two lots of spinal surgery to correct congenital kyphosis (curvature of the spine).
She was nominated for a wish by a play specialist at the RVI in Newcastle. The charity organised the weekend including travel to London by train and a two night stay in a hotel. The family were taken to a venue near Wembley Stadium by a limousine and had lunch at a Frankie and Benny’s. They were then taken to a cinema close to Wembley where they saw part of the film with One Direction ‘This is Us’ and the band appeared part way through shining torches around the cinema.
They sang a couple of songs and answered questions before children went to the front and had photographs taken with the band. Lauren was so excited and overwhelmed by the whole experience and was thrilled to have a hug from Niall (her favourite). She was given a bottle of their perfume from Harry and also received a goody bag containing a signed sweatshirt, a watch and two tickets to their concert next year. It was magical not only for Lauren but for all the family including younger sister, Emma.
Lauren has been through a lot for a child of her age and has had to be extremely brave and still has to attend the hospital on a regular basis for check-ups. The family are hoping she won’t need further surgery on her spine, but this has not been ruled out and she will be closely monitored for the rest of her life.
