Bone cancer girl gets surprise treat from Paralympic hero

Elly, who has a rare form of bone cancer, has always wanted to swim with dolphins. Credit: ITV News Central

A girl from Nottingham with a rare form of bone cancer has had a surprise visit from her sporting hero as he presented her with tickets for a dream trip to Florida to swim with dolphins.

Nottinghamshire Paralympic star Richard Whitehead turned up unannounced at Elly Blacknell's home in Clifton.

The twelve year old was gobsmacked when he walked into the house and handed over the tickets.

Elly, who lost a leg after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2012, has always wanted to swim with dolphins.

Now her dream is to come true thanks to the charity When You Wish Upon A Star.

Richard Whitehead inspired Elly with his heroics in the London 2012 Paralympics.

She is a member of Nova, the county swimming squad, and recently won a silver medal at the East Midlands disability swimming championships.