Cheryl Cole's well-wishes provide boost for Bishop Auckland leukaemia sufferer
Cheryl Cole's well-wishes provide boost for Bishop Auckland leukaemia sufferer
8:00am Thursday 19th July 2012 in News 
A TEENAGE girl has received a welcome boost in her battle against leukaemia thanks to a get well soon card from one of Britains biggest pop stars.
Tara Sowerby, of Bishop Auckland , was over the moon after being sent the card by North- East-born Cheryl Cole.
The 14-year-old was presented with the personalised message by Leroy Allen, of Willington, County Durham, at a fundraising disco he had organised for her at St Johns School, where he attends the sixth form and she is a pupil! .
Tara attended the disco for a few hours to see her friends, but she had no idea about the get well surprise.
Taras sister, Emma, said: She was over the moon, she loves Cheryl Cole. It was a shock for all of us, but it really brought a smile to her face.
She really enjoyed herself and she was chuffed to bits with the card. It is in pride of place.
The youngster was diagnosed with leukaemia in May and this week began the third of four rounds of chemotherapy at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.
Emma added: She is feeling a bit rubbish and tired, but the disco really cheered her up.
Leroy, 16, organised the under- 16 disco to raise money for Tara. He read about her plight on Facebook and decided through his company, FabrikEvents, to start raising money for her.
So far, including about 250 from the disco, he has raised nearly 1,500.
He also managed to organise the card from Cheryl Cole through a family friend.
In May, Leroys company won The Northern Echos If We Can You Can Challenge 2012, run by The Entrepreneurs Forum.
Lots of people turned up to the disco, so it was really good, he said. I met Tara for the first time when I gave her the card from Cheryl.
It was really nice to see her face light up.