Edinburgh girl heartbroken after 'rare' meningitis diagnosis led to missing idol's gig

Millie
-Credit: (Image: supplied)


An Edinburgh schoolgirl has been left gutted by the news she will sadly miss out on seeing her favourite singer after falling unwell with a 'rare' condition.

13-year-old Millie Flower from Ratho was admitted to hospital on Sunday, September 8, but had plans to go and see the American singer Melanie Martinez later in the month.

Unfortunately, the super-fan, whose bedroom walls are plastered with posters of the pop star, was diagnosed with meningitis at St John's Hospital.

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Millie's parents spoke to Edinburgh Live before heading to the hospital on Friday. Mum Alison Flower, 46, explained earlier in the month she noticed her daughter was becoming unwell. However, four days later on September 8, she was getting worse - not better.

"You don't want to panic over a cold but two weeks ago on Wednesday, she was unwell and on Sunday, she just got so much worse and I took her to hospital," Alison said, "They said she had meningitis but the doctors don't know what's caused it, so it's something rare. Tests are getting sent to St Ormand Street Hospital.

"She had to have a feeding tube at the start because she couldn't keep any food down. Your muscles can waste away so quickly when you're ill. It would have been too risky to take her to the concert, her immune system is fragile now and I wouldn't want her catching anything else."

Alison continued: "Millie is a huge fan of Melanie Martinez. We were meant to see her at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on Monday but two days ago I had to tell her that we wouldn't be able to go."

Millie, who is also a singer, started listening to Melanie Martinez, 29 around two years ago and her love for the singer grew. Her bedroom walls have become a 'shrine' to The Voice US contestant.

Alison continued: "Millie's walls are covered with posters, she has all of her vinyls, and her favourite songs to sing are Melanie's Cry Baby, Sippy Cup, and Carousel. Melanie is known for having blonde and black hair and Mille asked if she could dye hers the same, she really loves her. She had her concert outfit ready and everything."

Millie is a super fan of the American signer
Millie is a super fan of the American signer -Credit:Alison Flower

"She understands why we can't go, but there's a difference between understanding and how you feel," the 46 said, "She was upset, really gutted. When you're ill, all you want is something to look forward to.

"Millie is out of hospital at night but every day she has to go back to get antivirals and antibiotics through an IV."

This is Millie's fourth time in hospital as a child. Alison and her daughter fronted a campaign back in 2013 to encourage parents to give their kids a flu jab after Millie was hospitalised with pneumonia twice as a toddler.

"She's gone through a lot, but she is a trooper. A very resilient and tough thing," Alison added, "It's awful seeing your child in distress and I know it's a long shot but I'd love it if Millie could maybe get a message from Melanie or a card, just something to cheer her up."

Melanie Martinez rose to fame in 2012 after appearing on The Voice US and is currently touring the UK with her The Trilogy Tour.