Ey Macarena!: More than 300k birthday cards and counting as Merry Hill dance celebrates Black Country girl Amelia's eighth birthday

Dudley's Merry Hill shopping centre has played host to an en masse Macarena as they helped celebrate Amelia Kolpa's eighth birthday today. (Tuesday)

Poorly girl Amelia suffers from a Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that affects mostly young children under the age of five, and starts in a type of nerve cell called the neuroblast. 

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Due to her illness, Amelia has been in and out of hospital since she was two years old; however, that didn't stop the youngster from dreaming big. 

For her eighth birthday, she had but one wish: to break the world record for the most birthday cards to be received on a single birthday. 

The West Midlands, UK, and the world all rallied behind Amelia's dream, with thousands upon thousands of cards flooding drop-off points across the Black Country.

Now, on Amelia's eighth birthday, Merry Hill shopping centre was alive with action as supporters, well-wishers and joyous spectators dropped their shopping to show off their moves for Amelia's birthday Macarena.

Scores of people took to the information stand in the shopping centre to take part in the dance, with hundreds more taking to the sidelines to watch and wish Amelia happy birthday.

Organising the event, Charmaine Grace, from Party Angels in Wolverhampton, said: "It's been absolutely amazing. It's such a great show of support; everyone has come out and really helped to make Amelia's dream come true. 

"I'm really proud to see so many people here. Amelia is at home right now, but I can't wait to see her face when she sees the video; it's going to be amazing."

So far, more than 300,000 cards have been gathered for Amelia from all over the world, with some even coming from Canada, Colombia, and China. 

Charmaine said: "It's unbelievable to see how many cards have been handed in. We have had more than 300,000, and we are still counting. We have had some from Canada, a few from Colombia, and we have even had some from China. 

"It's just so heartwarming to see the amount of support that has been received from not just the Black Country, but the world too. It's really made her birthday wish come true, thank you all."

Among those to do the Macarena was Lockside Steakhouse owner Matt Lemm, who collected more than 70,000 cards, including thousands which were delivered from an organised bike ride that saw more than 2,500 bikers take to the streets of Rowley Regis.

He said: "I think we are all just truly overwhelmed by the amount of support that has been shown. I mean, 300,000 cards is unbelievable. Originally, I estimated around 27,000, but look now.

"It's just so amazing to see so much support for Amelia, and for everyone to come together to make her dream come true. Happy birthday, Amelia."

 Merry Hill also took the chance to wish Amelia a very happy birthday, saying that the outpouring of warmth from the community has been 'overwhelming'.

Natalie Birch, ESG Manager at Merry Hill, said: "It was our pleasure to support the celebration of Amelia’s 8th birthday today as hundreds of people came together at the heart of the centre to dance the Macarena. 

"The outpouring of warmth from the region and response to the card collection has been incredible. Happy birthday, Amelia, from all of us at Merry Hill”

The total number of cards is still being counted, with a final tally expected to be announced next week. 

Cards are still being accepted for Amelia, with a list of drop-off points listed below:

• Party Angels, Cannock Road, Wolverhampton WV10 8PX

• Lockside Steakhouse, Enville Street, Wollaston, DY8 3TQ 

• Highfield Primary School, Beeches Road, Rowley Regis, B65 0DA

• Leasowes High School, Kent Road, Halesowen, B62 8PJ

• Artisan Espresso Bar Ltd, 168 Halesowen Street, Blackheath, Rowley Regis, B65 0ES

• Fairfield Inn, Fairfield Road, Hurst Green, Halesowen, B62 9JA