Shropshire Star

Top Gear star Richard Hammond drives in for Emilia

Poorly youngster Emilia Palmer's greatest wish was to have a ride in a pink Lamborghini with Top Gear presenter Richard  Hammond.

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Top Gear star Richard Hammond makes Emilia Palmer’s dream come true by taking her for a spin in this pink Lamborghini

And to the delight of the eight-year old, that wish has come true.

Children's charity Ray of Sunshine organised it for the youngster from Leominster, who has a serious lung condition.

Hammond said it was a "real privilege" and was full of praise for the "charming and wonderful" youngster.

Emilia first became ill two years ago when a cough led to pneumonia. She now relies on oxygen after being diagnosed with the serious condition.

Her mum Rachel contacted Rays of Sunshine, which grants wishes for seriously ill children from the age of three up to 18.

The charity enlisted the help of several organisations and worked around the clock to make Emilia's wish come true in a matter of days.

The car, a new white Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, was provided by London-based H R Owen and allowed to be temporarily sprayed pink by luxury car customisers Yiannamize. The car was then transported to Shobon Aerodrome in Herefordshire.

Hammond flew into the airfield in his helicopter on Sunday before collecting the car and driving it to Emilia's house to give the youngster a surprise she would never forget.

The Top Gear star said: "It was a real privilege to be asked to make a contribution to such an inspiring, positive, unique and uplifting occasion. Emilia was charming and wonderful. There was every chance she could have been shy, but she chatted nonstop.

"It is truly inspiring how brave people are. Hearty congratulations to Rays of Sunshine for organising yet another unique and special occasion and to H R Owen for pulling out all the stops."

Afterwards Emilia's mum Rachel said: "Emilia had an incredible time. The fact that the wish was turned around so quickly, meant that she was still physically able to enjoy it.

"This was a fantastic day that we will all remember as a family. We are so grateful to Rays of Sunshine and everyone involved for making every aspect of Emilia's wish happen. It's not until something awful happens that you get to find out how kind people can be."

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