Inspiring Mia mixes with stars at Butterfly Ball event

AN INSPIRATIONAL 10-year-old with cerebral palsy mixed with stars including Craig David, Fleur East and Paloma Faith at one of the most prestigious fundraising events in the UK.

Mia Thorne, who has congenital hemiplegia, attended the Caudwell Children’s annual Butterfly Ball last week and mum Karene said by the end of the event celebrities were actually coming up to her asking for a photo.

She was representing Wales as the child ambassador at the event and now counts celebrities such as Peter Andre, Blue’s Lee Ryan, and former Queen of the Jungle Vicky Pattison among her pals having met them more than once.

Mum Karene said: “She was like a mini celebrity and spent lots of time chatting to all of the different stars. It was a truly amazing experience with all the celebrities walking the purple carpet.

“Kelvin Fletcher from Emmerdale and Lee Ryan were particularly amazing with Mia and danced with her.

“It was an eventful, unforgettable night and Mia absolutely loved every minute of it and having her photos taken by the national newspapers. I am very proud of her.”

Mia, a pupil at Coedpenmaen Primary School, has congenital hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that affects her mobility. Speaking about the night, she said: “I had an amazing time for an amazing cause and all the celebrities were so nice. I was so lucky to meet everyone.”

With Sir Bruce Forsyth, Sir Rod Stewart, Simon Cowell, Joan Collins, and the Duchess of York having been among the 800 guests at previous events, this year’s event, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, lived up to expectations. There were performances from Craig David, Fleur East and Paloma Faith, all compered by Peter Andre.

It took place on May 25 and raised more than £1m on the night, with hundreds of thousands of pounds being bid on auctioned items to raise much-needed funds.

The lots of offer included a sevennight stay on Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island and an F1 racing experience at the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix.

All proceeds from the night are being used to help disabled children in the UK through a wide variety of services.