Posted November 24, 200619 yr Seriously ill Ulster anorexic teenager Lauren Martin saw a dream come true recently when she met pop princess Pink backstage at Belfast's Odyssey. Almost six weeks ago, 17-year-old Lauren was rushed to hospital amid fears for her life after her weight plummeted to just four stone. Her desire to beat the illness meant she was able to leave hospital for the first time last Saturday - in order to see her favourite singer. Her sister Janice Farr said it was an "amazing" experience for the trainee hairdresser, who received star treatment in a hospitality box. "Lauren was just over the moon by the fact that she met her idol," she said. "Pink was fantastic with her, so down to earth. She said she loved her hair and told her to keep up the fight. "We're starting to feel that there's light at the end of the tunnel - at least we hope so." The Dundonald teenager, who is still being treated at the Ulster Hospital, received flowers from the singer in October, when it was thought she would be too ill to attend. "Meeting Pink has really perked Lauren up. She's doing OK at the minute and feeling a bit better, although she doesn't like putting weight on," Janice added. "She is really trying and I think staff at the hospital are happy with her progress. There is a still a long way to go, though. This is not an easy illness to overcome." Janice and Lauren visited St George's Hospital in London last Monday, where Lauren is expected to go if she agrees to treatment - as there is currently no facility available in the province. "She got to speak to another wee girl who suffers from anorexia when she was there and I think that helped her," Janice said. Shortly after Lauren was rushed to hospital, Janice began a media campaign to raise eating disorder awareness in Northern Ireland. She and her mother, established the Laurenzo Recovery Eating Disorder Fund. The first fundraiser, supported by Give My Head Peace actress Ali Ford, is at Mono cafe bar at 9pm tonight.
December 1, 200619 yr Oh dear. It's such a horrible illness isn't it ? Great to hear to P!nk made an effort to spend some time with this girl. I hope she will beat this.
