A SEVEN year old Magor schoolgirl enjoyed a very special day on Saturday (4th July) when she went to see the Speedway Grand Prix in Cardiff as special guest of speedway star Tai Woffinden.

The reigning British Speedway Champion invited Olivia Morgan and her mum Kate, big brothers Jack, 12, and Thomas, 10 to join the 40,000 strong crowd at the Millennium Stadium.

Tai (pictured with Olivia) came to know about Olivia and her family through his work with the Great Ormond Street Hospital children's charity, as he works to support fundraising efforts set to top £100,000 and help fund a bedroom at the world famous children's hospital.

Now a happy, healthy seven year-old and a pupil of Magor Church in Wales Primary School, Olivia spent her very first Christmas in the Royal Gwent Hospital.

Having been diagnosed with Vein of Galen Malformation – a rare and life-threatening condition involving a vein deep within the brain – on Boxing Day 2007, Olivia was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), one of only two hospitals in the UK able to treat her condition. At just four days old, Olivia had the first of three life-saving surgeries at GOSH.

When Olivia was 18 months old, doctors at GOSH were able to give parents Rob and Kate the wonderful news that the affected blood vessels had been successfully blocked off and that no further surgery would be required.

But in a heart-breaking twist, just a few months later, the family received a second blow as aged just two, Olivia was diagnosed with Leukaemia.

But ever the fighter Olivia promptly beat that too and now fighting fit, enjoys nothing more than swimming, Brownies and playing with her friends.

"We always knew that Great Ormond Street was a great hospital but we just had no idea how much incredible work went on there until we needed it ourselves," said Olivia's family.

"Olivia would not have survived the journey to Glasgow – the only other place that could treat her newborn condition – so we literally owe GOSH her life.

"I know that Tai is committed to raising both awareness and funds to make a difference to the lives of families such as ours and we were delighted to be invited to join him on Saturday.

"We had a wonderful time at the British Speedway Grand Prix. Olivia was so excited to meet Tai and to see him race – she was cheering him on all the way!

"It's fantastic that Tai is doing so much to raise funds and we'd definitely encourage everyone to support Team Tai and help make a difference for patients and families at Great Ormond Street Hospital."

Tai said: "I'm passionate about my work with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and it was great to meet Olivia and her family on Saturday – my job on the track is hard enough but I just can't imagine what these families go through when their children are so ill.

"I'm glad to be able to help the work of this fantastic charity in any way I can."