Inspirational Adam rewarded by Ant & Dec
BOY BATTLING LYMPHOMA WILL BE SENT ON HOLIDAY BY TV DUO
A BOY who has been battling lymphoma has been rewarded by TV’s Ant & Dec on Saturday Night Takeaway for being a lockdown hero.
Seven-year-old Adam Valli, Leicester, suffered a tough year, with five difficult rounds of chemotherapy.
He had a numerous operations and countless trips to the hospital and had to shield for most of last year after being diagnosed in 2019.
But after months of isolation, Adam can look forward to celebrating his eighth birthday in style.
He was nominated by his mum, Farha to win a Takeaway Getaway on the Ant & Dec show.
As a big fan of the show, Adam tuned in to be a part of the virtual audience but got the surprise of his life when his name was called out.
The getaway included a sevennight, all-inclusive stay in their choice of over 70 resorts in more than 30 destinations.
Farha said: “We can’t believe the journey we’ve been on over the past year.
“It’s been really hard on us all, but Adam has been an inspiration.
“He has had to face many hurdles but has taken it in his stride, and we’re so proud of him.”
She said Adam and his sister “will both make the most out of what will be their first overseas holiday together”.
Adam said: “I was just so excited to be in the virtual audience, so I was already jumping around and then I heard my name and I had to check that it was actually me.
“I just couldn’t believe it. I was so happy that I had won. I have been telling all my friends and teachers that I was on TV ever since.”
Adam and family opted for a trip to a Tui family resort in Egypt, which he chose because of its waterpark. He said: “I am really looking forward to playing in the water park with my family, and I can’t wait to tell all my school friends how much fun I had.”
Richard Sofer, commercial director of Tui UK&I, said: “We were touched by Adam’s story – what an incredible young man he is.
“We are delighted we’re able to take the Valli family away to Egypt, where they will enjoy their welldeserved first family holiday.
“It has been a tough year for all of us and we know how desperate people are to get away with loved ones as soon they can.
“It’s great we’ve been able to spread a little sunshine with Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and look forward to taking all our Takeaway Getaway winners to the destinations of their choice soon.”
Adam was one of 60 winners during the show’s seven-week run.