A 17-year-old girl from Risca with an inoperable brain tumour has received a surprise visit from Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones.
Ms Jones, who plays Nessa in the BBC Wales sitcom, visited Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice on Wednesday, July 10 to visit Izzy Withers, who is a big fan of the show.
During the visit, Izzy tried on Nessa’s wig and even had Nessa’s Welsh dragon tattoo printed onto her arm.
This wonderful & kind lady paid @tyhafan a visit yesterday ? Ruth Jones wanted to meet Izzy Withers in person following the recent support from the amazing #GavinandStacey cast — and it was one BIG surprise!
Magical things really do happen at children’s hospices ? @JKCorden pic.twitter.com/uSI5Ac4MsV— Ty Hafan (@tyhafan) July 11, 2019
Izzy was diagnosed with the condition in September when she was just 16-years-old and has undergone numerous scans and biopsies, as well as having a brain shunt implanted.
Izzy is currently receiving end of life care at Ty Hafan.
Izzy’s mother, Tracey Withers had set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money to “make every single moment and memory count” by ticking off items on Izzy’s bucket list, which include seeing killer whales in the wild and seeing the northern lights.
Ms Withers said: “We want to make Izzy have as many memories and experiences possible right now. After everything that she has been through and what time will bring I can’t do a lot else but be there to support her and make every single moment and memory count.
“She has amazed us all with ability to take her diagnosis in her stride.
“We’ve already achieved time in California with our family there, meeting Lin-Manuel Miranda her idol and lots of theatre trips.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda is an American actor, composer and lyricist who starred in Mary Poppins Returns, which hit cinemas last year.
One of Izzy’s wishes has always been to go to a festival, so a festival will be held for Izzy on Sunday, August 4.
Izzyfest will be held at Pandy Park in Crosskeys to help raise money for Ty Hafan and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The festival is being organised by the organisers of Glastonselfy and there will be live music, craft stalls, children’s activities and more.
Tickets cost £15 on the door or £10 if booked in advance. Children under the age of 16 can go for free if accompanied by a paying adult.
The event starts at 12pm and finishes at 11pm.
Tickets can be bought at www.tickettailor.com/events/izzyfest.
Izzy’s fundraising page can be found at www.gofundme.com/izzys-brain-tumour-battle.