Wolves fans to pay tribute after death of brave young Lydia
A devoted teenage Wolves supporter who was suffering from a rare illness has died just days after a dream visit from her beloved club's captain.
Lydia Pearce Ameson, aged 15, from Dudley, was visited by captain Danny Batth at her home last week who handed her a signed Wolves shirt, bringing a huge smile to her face.
But Lydia died on Sunday after battling Neurofibromatosis Type 1.
Her heartbroken family today paid tribute to her. Sarah Ameson, her mother, said: "She loved music, dancing and theatre. "She was a beautiful and confident girl who loved her family and friends very much."
A spokesman said: "We went down to see her last Thursday as one of her wishes was for her to be able to have a box at a game with her family. She won't be able to enjoy the special occasion now, but her family will still be there."
Fans will rise in applause in the 15th minute of Saturday's match in tribute to the brave teenager.
Lydia had been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 when she was 18 months old – a rare genetic condition which causes tumours to grow along nerves.
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC News & Chat page on Facebook has posted a statement encouraging supporters to get behind the 'fitting tribute' at the league game against Sheffield Wednesday at Molineux which her family will be attending.
It follows captain Danny Batth visiting Lydia's home in Dudley just last week to hand over a signed shirt to the Bishop Milner Catholic College pupil.
Sarah Ameson, her mother, said her daughter had been part a theatre group called Reach in Tettenhall, and and Libra Lea Netball Club.
"There were a few things that we had planned as a family that we will do in Lydia's memory including a trip to Liverpool and a theatre trip to see The Bodyguard.
"The past few weeks Lydia has had pampering sessions, massages, make up and nails done – she was a real girly girl. We had Danny come and see her and they had a laugh and some special time together. Lydia also choose eight people to take to the box at the Wolves game this Saturday – which was one of the wishes for her step-dad Rich. She also wanted to buy me and her nan a ring and we went to Pandora and choose something special that we can all wear all the time. We would like to offer a special thank you to everyone at the Wolves, Stuart Williams who set up the Just Giving Page and Wade Cooper who did a sponsored run."
A statement from the club said: "Although Lydia was diagnosed with the disease at 18 months old, Lydia lived a very happy life. It wasn't until recently that the situation worsened. It would be a fitting tribute to mark a minute's applause in the 15th minute against Sheffield Wednesday to remember Lydia. R.I.P Lydia Ameson."
Fans responded on Facebook and Twitter with their heartfelt condolences.
A JustGiving page sits at nearly £10,000.
