Elli’s torch wish comes true

BEST birthday ever: Elli Shaw with Andy Lofthouse and the Olympic torch

Champ Andy makes her day
AN Olympic torch-bearing hero helped grant the birthday wish of a very special little miracle girl.

Elli Shaw has just celebrated her milestone 10th birthday after overcoming being born 13 weeks prematurely and losing her twin sister Leah.

Elli weighed only 2lbs at birth and was given only a 50 per cent chance of survival. She fought pneumonia, bronchitis and a collapsed lung before her first birthday.

Elli and her family’s annual graveside birthday vigil at Leah’s resting place meant the youngster couldn’t watch the Olympic torch relay pass through her home town.

But kind-hearted flame carrier Andy Lofthouse was only too happy to put a smile on her face by taking his Olympic torch to her.

Thai boxing champion Andy, from Fitton Hill, took his iconic Olympic legacy to Elli’s home in Chadderton, much to the joy of the overwhelmed youngster.

Elli said: “I was over the moon and I was speechless. Andy was fantastic.

“He let me hold the torch and I didn’t want to let go if it. It was the best birthday ever.”

READ the full version of this story only in our print and eChron editions
Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle