Brave Victoria meets celebrity idol Andre
A teenager who was diagnosed with cancer has met her celebrity idol in pop star Peter Andre thanks to a charity which arranges once in a lifetime experiences.
Victoria Wilson Croft, who underwent chemotherapy after 19 pea-sized lumps were found around her neck – was introduced to the Australian singer before one of his concerts.
The 15-year-old who is currently in remission was treated to the star encounter after staff at the Joshua Foundation charity were told how much of a fan she was.
The Kilburn youngster – who was given the all clear in August — was also treated to limo’ transport and a meal in a top restaurant. as well as the face to face meeting and concert treat in Nottingham.
She said: “I was a bit gobsmacked when I first met him, he asked how I was and I said, ‘fine’.
“After a while I started to talk a bit more and he was brilliant. It was really amazing.”
A spokesman for the foundation, which was created by Welsh mother Sarah Cornelius-Price after her son Joshua was diagnosed with cancer in late 1996, said the experience was a dream come true for Victoria as she “is a massive Peter Andre fan”.
They arranged the brush with Andre after Victoria underwent treatment which left her crying out in pain last year.
The cancer also affected many other areas of her life.
Keen football goalkeeper Victoria was forced to quit playing for her beloved Pride Juniors team.
However, her treatment was a success, paving the way for her to return to the pitch against Belper Town Girls in November.
The speed of her recovery was remarkable, as was the fact she rarely had time off school as she underwent treatment.
She continues to inspire all who know her by now turning her focus to fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust, while encouraging others to do the same.
In December, the John Flamsteed pupil was nominated for a Young Achievers prize by one of her teachers, and collected her award from ex-Derby County Football Club skipper Robbie Savage.
Her diagnosis came just as she had started her GCSEs. However, she still obtained good grades.
And during her stay in hospital Victoria’s family and friends managed to raise £3,000 for the ward she was in, as well as for CLIC Sargent – a charity that supports children and young people with cancer.
Celebrity Andre’s older brother Andrew, 54, died in December from kidney cancer.
He said recently going on tour so soon after Andrew’s death had been tough.
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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