It seems that 2017 is the year of the Ed Sheeran. The man has smashed the chart, he's continued his gentlemanly ways, and now he's made one child's life complete. In short, he's a LAD.
Ed, who has spent 14 weeks at Number One (13 consecutive weeks followed by a one-week 'blip' as Harry Styles muscled in) thanks to his new album, Divide, had previously shown his knight-in-shining-armour routine by giving his girlfriend, Cherry Seaborn, his shoes at the BRIT Awards afterparty.
And, last night, Mr Sheeran took time out of his busy schedule to meet an ill boy named Ollie backstage at the Manchester Arena.
Six-year-old Ollie was diagnosed with a rare genetic illness called Battens disease two years ago. This is a condition that can cause vision problems, severe epilepsy, decreased body fat and muscle mass, curvature of the spine, hyperventilation and loss of motor skills.
Credit: Facebook
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His parents have launched the 'Ollie's Army Battling Against Battens' to help raise awareness and money to find a cure.
And the Facebook page states: "Our promise to Ollie is to make his life a happy one that is full of love. We want to create awareness of this awful disease.
"The money we raise will go towards any care and specialist equipment, any trials that may benefit Ollie, [and] enjoyable experiences."
Sadly, last year, Ollie's sister, Amelia, aged two, was also diagnosed with the same disease.
The Facebook page seemed to have done the trick, as, yesterday, Ollie's parents took to the social media platform to share some exciting news.
"Last night our little boy met his hero," they wrote. "Through the power of social media, Ollie's story reached Ed Sheeran. Ed and his team were so touched by Ollie's story that they invited Ollie, Amelia and our boys backstage at the MEN arena."
Credit: Facebook
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The young LAD, who knows the lyrics to all of Sheeran's songs, and used to stand at the television watching and singing along, sadly could no longer stand or see his idol.
The post added: "However, the power of Ed's voice has pulled Ollie through the hardest and darkest of times. Ollie listens to Ed's songs through his many hospital admissions; his songs have even helped him get through brain surgery."
Ollie's face was described as "priceless" when Ed walked in the room.
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The superstar singer then spent time giving Ollie 'the biggest of cuddles' as well as answering all of the questions that were put to him.
Sheeran spent time learning about the disease and the work of Ollie's Army.
"To us, last night, Ollie wasn't meeting a star, he was meeting HIS star, he was meeting the man that taught him the power and love of music," the post said.
Although the future doesn't look bright for Ollie, moments like this have inspired his parents to continue their work. They are also extremely thankful for Ed's management team, who allowed this to continue.
The post concluded: "Our dying boy wished to meet his hero, last night that wish was granted."
Ed, we salute you. Ollie, stay strong.
Featured Image Credit: Facebook / PATopics: Facebook, Ed Sheeran