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Home / Entertainment

'They have a mutual love for each other': Ed Sheeran performs private concert for adoring 10-year-old superfan with a rare brain condition

By Kate Thomas
Daily Mail·
4 May, 2017 02:13 AM4 mins to read

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10-year-old Melody Driscoll suffers from Retts Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development. Ed Sheeran treated the inspirational 10-year-old to a private concert at London's 02 Arena. Facebook / Melody In Mind

He previously surprised superfan Melody Driscoll by visiting her in hospital last November.

And Ed Sheeran proved he's the most down-to-earth of celebrities when he treated the inspirational 10-year-old to a private concert at London's 02 Arena, ensuring their "second date" was even more special.

Brave Melody - who has undergone more then 40 operations - suffers from Retts Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development, resulting in severe mental and physical disability.

The adorable little girl, whose mother describes her as a "living miracle", was treated to the one-on-one concert by the Shape Of You singer, who performed her four favourite songs for her, the Daily Mail reported.

Melody's mum Karina told The Sun: 'It was the most amazing day ever, she was spoiled rotten.

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"They sat together and played together and she just looks lovingly at him the whole time. They have a mutual love for each other."

Ed went all out for his number one fan, performing with the full staging and lighting effects of his Divide tour.

Melody was over the moon when her idol wrote "I love you" on her cast and signed his name on her wheelchair, before allowing her to have her pick of his tour merchandise.

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Karina revealed Ed has stayed in touch since their first meeting last year, sending her well wishes about her surgery as well as an iPad full of his music.

Last year, Melody's mum captured the heartwarming moment Ed first paid a surprise visit to Melody at Epsom Hospital in Surrey.

The adorable little girl, whose mother describes her as a 'living miracle', was treated to the one-on-one concert by the Shape Of You singer. Photo / Melody in Mind,  Facebook.
The adorable little girl, whose mother describes her as a 'living miracle', was treated to the one-on-one concert by the Shape Of You singer. Photo / Melody in Mind, Facebook.

The red-haired rocker delighted Melody with hugs and kisses and serenaded her with two songs.

"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."

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

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."

Brave Melody - who has undergone more then 40 operations - suffers from Retts Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development. Photo / Melody In Mind,  Facebook
Brave Melody - who has undergone more then 40 operations - suffers from Retts Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development. Photo / Melody In Mind, Facebook

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.

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"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."

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

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

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