Express & Star

Family thank Wolves fans who rose in tribute to brave Lydia

"Everyone at the Wolves looked after us so well and we would like to offer a huge thank you for all their support."

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The mother of a young Lydia Pearce Ameson have thanked thousands of Wolves fans who came together in tribute to their daughter.

Almost 28,000 football fans paid a moving tribute to Lydia, who died from a rare illness.

A packed Molineux rose on the 15th minute during the match on Saturday in tribute to Lydia's age – and provided a minute's applause for the teenager.

Wolves' Danny Batth visits Lydia

Lydia's family and friends were welcomed by Wolves in an executive box as they hosted Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship match.

Fans of both teams paid their respects to Lydia, who was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 when she was 18 months old.

The illness is a rare genetic condition which causes tumours to grow along nerves.

Wolves unfortunately conceded from the penalty spot ahead of the tribute.

The score had no effect on the outpouring of emotion, with the biggest crowd in 18 months applauding the youngster.

All around Molineux tens of thousands of people stood up to applaud – including almost three thousand who had travelled from Sheffield.

Sarah Ameson, her mother, said: "It was fantastic and there was a little star above us and we said that was Lydia.

"Just before the 15th minute there was a penalty and we laughed and thought it had to be Lydia's doing."

Captain Danny Batth visited Lydia's home in Dudley two weeks ago to hand over a signed shirt to the Bishop Milner Catholic College pupil.

Lydia chose those special to her that she wanted to take to the box at the game – which was one of the wishes for her step-dad, Rich.

Ms Ameson continued: "There were nine of us all together including Lydia's uncles, godfather and three of her friends.

"The atmosphere was amazing – everything went so well.

"Her name even shot up on the big screen in the Molineux. It was just perfect."

Speaking earlier this week, Ms Ameson spoke of Lydia's love for music, dance and beauty.

She said: "She loved music, dancing and theatre.

"She was a beautiful and confident girl who loved her family and friends very much. She had also done a Bake-Off style charity fundraiser in aid of Neurofibromatosis."

A JustGiving page which was set up to help Lydia complete a wish list now sits at nearly £10,000.

To donate to her appeal visit www.justgiving.com/crowd funding/lydiapearceameson

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