Branson steps in to fly home critically ill girl

SWNS

A cancer-stricken girl stranded in Mexico has caught the attention of Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson, who has stepped in to fly the youngster home, the Press and Journal reported.

Seven-year-old Olivia Downie from Scotland is battling an aggressive form of cancer and flew to Tijuana in Mexico for specialist treatment earlier this month but she responded badly to the medication.

Doctors said she was too sick to travel home without expensive medical support and her parents Lauren and Stephen appealed for help fearing she could die in Mexico.

Donations on Olivia's Just Giving page hit £119,000 with 7,000 contributions and Richard Branson offered to fly Olivia home after hearing of her plight.

An air ambulance is now ready to take her home where she can be surrounded by her family and friends.

Related articles

Gareth Barry to let sick children holiday at his luxury villa
Woman with terminal cancer charged hotel cancellation fee
Richard Branson brands Caribbean air tax a 'disgrace'

Sign up to our weekly newsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a fan on Facebook