Tain teen's Monaco trip is dream come true
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A RACING-MAD teenager’s dream of experiencing the glitz and excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix has come true.
Polly Melville’s passion for Formula One racing developed while she was fighting cancer in hospital.
And now, thanks to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, seventeen-year-old Polly, from Tain, was whisked away to Monte Carlo to meet her hero, top driver Lewis Hamilton.
She experienced the Grand Prix both from behind the scenes and from a VIP viewpoint.
Her visit, arranged by the charity which grants the wishes of children with serious and terminal illnesses, covered four magical nights.
Along with four other Starlight wish children, Polly soaked up the atmosphere in the pit lane, hung out in The Paddock, spent time at the Red Bull Energy Station and watched the race from luxurious surroundings at the Fairmont Hotel on the Hairpin Bend.
From start to finish the trip was a dream come true for Polly, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in February 2013.
Her first round of treatment was successful only for a short time and she suffered a relapse, undergoing a stem cell transplant in June 2014.
Polly is a talented swimmer and prior to her diagnosis took part in competitions. She is now looking forward to being able to continue with her swimming when she has more energy.
Despite everything she has had to endure, Polly is a positive and fun-loving teenager who adores the sun, shopping and spending time with her family and friends.
During her time in hospital she developed her interest in Formula One, began closely following the races and becoming a true F1 expert. She was accompanied on her Monte Carlo trip by dad Paul, who said: “This trip has been so much more than I could ever have given Polly.
“It has given her the chance to meet and interact with people dealing with similar conditions and share special moments with them.
“Polly was so delighted and happy when she met Lewis Hamilton and all the other drivers and personalities. They really did make the kids feel special.”
He thanked Starlight for giving Polly the once-in-a-lifetime experience and added that she loved every second of it.
n To refer a youngster for a wish or to make a donation, go online at www.starlight.org.uk. For every £1 donated, 92p goes towards helping Starlight’s sick children.
