Cancer girl, 5, makes dream come true on stage with Hairspray

A FIVE-YEAR-OLD cancer patient got to meet the cast of her favourite musical when she delivered a good luck message on stage.
Leukaemia patient Agatha King meets the cast of Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PALeukaemia patient Agatha King meets the cast of Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PA
Leukaemia patient Agatha King meets the cast of Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PA

Agatha King, who is receiving treatment for leukaemia, loves singing along to the tracks featured in Hairspray.

The youngster, from Cupar in Fife, was given the chance to meet the stars of the hit West End show when they performed at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Wednesday.

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The cast includes Brookside actress Claire Sweeney, Blue Peter’s Peter Duncan and the X Factor’s Brenda Edwards.

Five-year-old leukaemia patient Agatha King posing with her Kids & Teens Little Star Award after meeting the cast of Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PAFive-year-old leukaemia patient Agatha King posing with her Kids & Teens Little Star Award after meeting the cast of Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PA
Five-year-old leukaemia patient Agatha King posing with her Kids & Teens Little Star Award after meeting the cast of Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PA

Agatha’s mother Karen, 40, said: “Agatha is a born performer who loves drama and musicals, and Hairspray is our favourite, and so we were so, so excited to come and see the show and meet the cast.

“She’s put up with everything the doctors have thrown at her. She’s had to cope with needles and with losing her hair, as well as not seeing her friends because she’s so prone to infection.

“She’s given up an awful lot and been very brave to get through, always with a smile on her face and a dance whenever there is music.”

Agatha has been fighting acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since last February.

Agatha King on her visit to the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PAAgatha King on her visit to the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PA
Agatha King on her visit to the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PA

Karen was 16 weeks pregnant at the time with daughter Meredith and she also has a three-year-old son Bacchus.

Edinburgh Playhouse spokeswoman Sarah Moyes said: “When we heard Agatha’s story and how much she loved Hairspray, we were more than happy to help her meet the cast while they were performing in Edinburgh.

“Agatha’s shown incredible bravery so far in her life and it’s been a pleasure to be involved with making one of her dreams come true.”

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Agatha received a Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens Award for bravery after being nominated by her father Kevin.

Five-year-old leukaemia patient Agatha King posing with her Kids & Teens Little Star Award after meeting the cast of Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PAFive-year-old leukaemia patient Agatha King posing with her Kids & Teens Little Star Award after meeting the cast of Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PA
Five-year-old leukaemia patient Agatha King posing with her Kids & Teens Little Star Award after meeting the cast of Hairspray at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Picture: PA

As well as a star-shaped trophy, she got a certificate signed by celebrities including Strictly Come Dancing performers Kevin and Karen Clifton and a TK Maxx gift card.

Karen said: “Agatha’s diagnosis impacted on our life in more ways than anyone can imagine. No two days are the same and it’s hard to plan anything with Agatha’s health being so up and down.

“From here, we really hope things are going to get easier for Agatha.”