Express & Star

Wolverhampton schoolgirl's dreams come true after meeting F1 ace Lewis Hamilton

Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton has made a teenager's dreams come true after treating the youngster to a special get-together.

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Chloe and her family with Lewis Hamilton

The British racing driver granted Wolverhampton schoolgirl Chloe Shebbe-Charles her greatest wish to meet him and watch him race at the Grand Prix.

The 15-year-old youngster suffers from genetic disorder Williams-Beuren Syndrome, as well as acute kidney injury, and was surprised with a trip to see her idol thanks to Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity.

Chloe’s mother Dochar Charles-Salum said: ‘When Chloe was granted her wish to meet Lewis Hamilton, we chose not to tell her and make it a surprise.

"When she finally saw Lewis, she couldn't hold back, she ran and gave Lewis a big hug. Lewis took his time, sat with us and we asked him so many questions.

"The look on Chloe's face and her smile just summed up everything. To top it off we had the opportunity to watch Lewis race at Silverstone. We are forever grateful to Rays of Sunshine for making Chloe's wish come true."

Chloe Shebbe-Charles

Hamilton, who won this year's Grand Prix, took time out of his busy schedule to meet a group of seriously ill children including Chloe at a special event at Brackley's Mercedes Factory.

Penn Fields School pupil Chloe had been a "huge fan" of Hamilton's for some time and had always hoped she would meet the racing driver.

She was treated to a rare behind-the-scenes factory tour, before the sporting star spent time with her and her family.

The youngster even managed to walk away with signed merchandise, a gift bag, and a string of snap with the driver, before watching Hamilton win the Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Chloe's health conditions mean she requires lots of medication, regular clinic visits and some hospital admissions.

Despite this, she is a happy and smiley child who enjoys making new friends, going to school and her nearby youth centre.

Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity was formed in 2003 to brighten the lives of seriously ill young people by granting wishes.