Pop megastar Ed Sheeran visited a children’s ward to serenade a nine-year-old superfan with a rare brain condition.
Melody Driscoll was elated when the singer-songwriter popped into the Casey Ward at Epsom Hospital in Surrey on Wednesday afternoon.
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.
Melody, who suffers with Rett Syndrome, causing physical and mental disability, 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.
“It was amazing to meet Ed, and everyone could see just how impressed Melody was – she even got hugs and kisses from him.
“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.”
