Evelina London patient meets X Factor idol

Rosie and Betsy-Blue English having fun

Betsy-Blue English, former band member of X Factor contestants Only The Young, delighted patients at Evelina London Children’s Hospital when she dropped in to spend some time with the children.

Nine-year-old Rosie Mein had been in hospital for two months when the singer, model and fashion blogger paid a visit. Rosie has dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition which means her heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood efficiently. She was on Savannah Ward at Evelina London undergoing treatment while awaiting a donor heart.

Rosie, who is a huge X Factor fan, says: “I was really excited to meet Betsy. I love watching X Factor, when Betsy was on with her band I voted for them every week. It’s Betsy’s birthday soon so I made her a card.”

Betsy visited children in the hospital school and spent time in one of the ward playrooms. Rosie and Betsy enjoyed singing a Spice Girls duet and perfecting their selfies.

Betsy has supported Evelina London for more than a year and has paid a number of visits to the hospital.

She says: “I treasure my visits to Evelina London Children’s Hospital. It’s a place that I've grown to love, along with the wonderful staff. Singing and playing games with them makes a difference as it makes their day go quicker. Just to see the children smile makes it all worthwhile. I'm a proud friend of Evelina London.”

Since the visit on Thursday 7 January, a donor heart became available and Rosie was transferred to another hospital to undergo a transplant.