12 October 2023 , 20:59
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An eight-year-old brain tumour survivor, Ravi Adelekan, had no idea what was in store for himself and his little sister, Maya, five, when he attended the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards, with TSB.
The magical meeting with the Lionesses was a dream come true for Ravi, who wants to be a footballer when he grows up and also aims to raise £250,000 for charity. His parents feared the worst when Ravi was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour aged six. He had a 10-hour operation but surgeons could not remove the whole growth.
Ravi is still struggling with his balance and reduced hearing and vision on his left side. But he has started to learn how to walk and feed himself again. Less than a year after surgery, the youngster also set himself an ambitious target to raise £250,000 to be shared between the Brain Tumour Charity and Brainstrust – both of which have supported Ravi.
Ravi Adelekan, an eight-year-old brain tumour survivor, was surprised at the Pride of Britain Awards (David Dyson/Daily Mirror)He has already collected £86,000 and, helped by his parents and Maya, he produced and starred in his own music video, a version of A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman. A string of stars, including Hugh Jackman, Paloma Faith, Bastille, Coldplay, De La Soul, Jimmy Somerville and Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus, showed their support.
Ravi stole the hearts of Pride of Britain viewers with his infectious charm and incredible strength and bravery with ITV viewers branding him a "hero" as he met with the Lionesses in a surprise moment. One person said: "Ravi is an little star what he has and continues to go through #PrideOfBritain", a different account put: "Ravi, bless him what an amazing little lad #PrideOfBritain", another viewer said: "Oh my gosh Pride of Britain never ever fails to make me weep buckets! Little Ravi.. and his sister Maya! #prideofbritain" with heart emojis.
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Elsewhere, one person said: "Ravi has brought tears to my eyes your such a inspiration #prideofbritain", a different account put: "He’s a little legend is Ravi!#PrideofBritain" with clapping emojis, another viewer put: "Oh Ravi you sweetheart #PrideOfBritain" while a different viewer added: "Ravi such a brave little boy going through all you have yet still helping others. Well done & so deserved #prideofbritain."
Watch Pride of Britain Awards live on ITV at 8pm on Thursday 12 October or stream on ITV X. *Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .