Newburgh teenager fighting Cystic Fibrosis meets X Factor stars One Direction

Jan 26 2012 by Tom Duffy, Ormskirk Advertiser

A WEST Lancashire cystic fibrosis patient who survived breaking her neck last year has struck up a friendship with her favourite boyband, One Direction.

Rebecca Commander, 15, recently enjoyed a whirlwind trip to London where she spent time with the X Factor stars before they performed at the Hammersmith Apollo on Sunday.

The Newburgh teenager, who recently saw the boys play the Echo Arena, took snaps of her heroes while Niall from the band took a photograph of her and saved it on his mobile.

Rebecca has been fighting cystic fibrosis since she was four months old, and broke her neck in an accident at her Newacres home last year.

The GCSE student has now recovered from the serious injury, although she remains on seven antibiotics and 50 tablets a day.

The teenager is also set to undergo a particularly gruelling bout of treatment at home to combat her condition.

In 2005 Rebecca suffered another set back when her body struggled to cope with the volume of antibiotics prescribed to help fight off a lung infection.

Rebecca’s trip was organised by Rays of Sunshine, a charity dedicated to making poorly children’s wishes come true.

Mum Sonia, said: “Rebecca is an absolute inspiration to me.

“She has coped with so much in her life, but yet has so much time for other people.

“The lads from One Direction were absolutely brilliant with Rebecca, and showed a real interest in her.

“They are now following her on Twitter, and they swapped XBox tags with her, so she can play them at Call of Duty when she is feeling down or even in hospital.

“We contacted Rays of Sunshine last year, and they treated all the family to a fabulous weekend and put a smile on Rebecca’s face.”

Rebecca said: “It was great meeting the lads.

“My favourite is Niall, because of his Irish accent and lovely voice.

“I could not speak to them because I was so excited.”