Dream comes true for brave Hannah

THINKING of you: Hannah Morrow who will today meet her pop idols, One Direction.

A SHAW teenager who brings the fighting factor to her life will be granted a wish of meeting pop idols One Direction.

Hannah Morrow (16), who suffers from the neurological condition Chiari malformation will be meeting the X-Factor finalists today in London.

The Oldham Sixth-Form College student has been an inspiration at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for the past 18 months, despite dealing with the excruciating disorder.

Hospital play leader John Smith put Hannah forward to make her dream come true, which is provided by Rays of Sunshine, a charity which grants wishes for children with severe or life-threatening illnesses.

Hannah and her mum Sharon were plunged into a nightmare in 2010 when she began suffering from bad headaches and sickness.

After growing concerns, an MRI scan revealed the malformation, which is when part of the brain pokes through the opening at the base of the skull, leading to pressure on the spinal cord.

This can cause headaches, swallowing difficulties, impaired co-ordination and, in some cases, paralysis.

Sharon said: “It was when doctors mentioned the word ‘brain’ that really worried me.

“She was getting headaches and other symptoms, but I know my daughter and I knew there was something not quite right, so we felt she needed to be seen to.

“It’s not really a condition that is really well-known. I must admit I did not know about it myself until Hannah was diagnosed.

“She has gone through quite a tough ride and she needs cheering up.

Hannah has not let the condition affect her education after gaining three A*s and two A grades in her GCSE results at Crompton House.

Now she is studying for her A-Levels and more recently brightened up the children’s hospital reception area by creating 3D artwork.

Her mum said: “The hospital have been fantastic, especially John at the play unit. One day she was a bit fed up and he said to her we are going on a trip and he took us into a sensory room on the ward, which really chilled her out.

“After hearing the news about One Direction, she is thrilled to bits.”

After meeting the popstars, Hannah will visit Planet Hollywood and see the capital’s sights.

Play Leader John said: “Hannah has been in and out of Ward 78 and although she has a serious condition she is a fighter with a great personality and definite plans for the future.

“She always keeps me on my toes when it comes to activities to do. She thoroughly deserves some happiness in her life and I was only too happy to put her forward.”