Ed Sheeran serenades a nine-year-old superfan at her hospital bed

November 11, 2016

Pop star visited Melody Driscoll, nine, at Epsom Hospital in Surrey
Youngster has rare genetic disorder Rett syndrome
Parents launched campaign for superfan to meet idol Ed Sheeran
Singer signed pink guitar and sang two favourites hits at hospital bed

Siofra Brennan For Mailonline

Published:
09:00 EST, 10 November 2016

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Updated:
15:59 EST, 10 November 2016

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Her eyes sparkling with happiness as she looked up at the very famous visitor who had appeared by her hospital bed, it was no less than a dream come true.

This was the heartwarming moment that popstar Ed Sheeran paid a surprise visit to superfan nine-year-old Melody Meadows at Epsom Hospital in Surrey.

The red-haired rocker delighted Melody, who suffers from Rett syndrome, with hugs and kisses and serenaded her with two songs.

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Popstar Ed Sheeran visited a children’s ward to serenade a nine-year-old superfan with a rare brain condition, Melody Driscoll at Epsom Hospital in Surrey

The red-head rocker signed a pink guitar for Melody before treating her to a performance of Photograph and Thinking Out Loud

‘One of the problems is constant pain and she’s on morphine,’ a member of staff from the Casey Ward told the star. ‘But we put you on and it helps.’

The singer felt compelled to visit after Melody’s parents launched a campaign to persuade him to pay a visit to their brave daughter.

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Melody was gifted a signed pink guitar before being treated to two of the singer’s best known hits – Thinking Out Loud and Photograph.

Dr Ruth Charlton said: ‘We are so touched that Ed would take the time out of his busy schedule to visit Melody and the other young patients on the ward.

‘Melody was mesmerised by Ed, and it was a truly wonderful to see how happy he made her.

‘We would like to thank Ed for coming – this was a very special day for our staff, our patients and of course, Melody.’

Melody’s mum Karina, who launched the campaign, said: ‘Melody absolutely loves Ed’s music, and his lyrics mean so much to us as a family.

Nine-year-old Melody suffers from the rare genetic condition Rett syndrome as was not expected to live past her fifth birthday

The red-haired rocker felt compelled to visit after Melody’s parents launched a campaign to persuade him to pay a visit to their brave daughter

Devoted fan Rosie looks at pictures of her favourite singer on her iPad. The youngster is in constant pain and relies on morphine but the singer’s music helps to lift her spirits

‘It was amazing to meet Ed, and everyone could see just how impressed Melody was – she even got hugs and kisses from him.

WHAT IS RETT SYNDROME?

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects all body movement.

Development appears normal until the child is six to 18-months-old, but they then start suffering loss of speech and balance.

The condition can also lead to scoliosis or seizures.

Treatment such as physiotherapy can help slow the rate of movement loss, but there is no cure for the condition.

Sufferers can live to their 40s but most die before 25.

‘We joke that Ed is Melody’s boyfriend because she is so taken with him, and now that she’s met him in person a dream has come true.

‘Ed’s music and the staff here, including Melody’s consultant Dr Tim Marr, have kept her alive.’

Ward manager Karen Kilday, said: ‘It was wonderful to see Ed on the ward and to see the joy that it brought to Melody.

‘His caring and relaxed approach were evident to see and everyone on the ward that day will remember the visit and this lovely moment forever.’

Melody was not predicted to live beyond the age of five, but she is now approaching her tenth birthday.

‘Despite her health condition Melody has always battled through with the help of music by Ed Sheeran and loves his songs music as they help her through her time in the hospital,’ a family friend told the Croydon Advertiser.