A young Chelsea fan who has just recovered from a rare disease which left her in a coma for nine months said meeting John Terry “marks the end” of her difficult journey. 

Arabella Webster, 20, from Epsom, was diagnosed with a rare auto immune disease – NMDA limbic encephalitis – in April 2011, and was in an induced coma while battling the illness.

A lifelong Chelsea FC fan, her wish to meet her favourite footballer Terry was granted in August 2012 by the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, which grants wishes for children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions.

But Miss Webster said she found it upsetting looking at the photos of her meeting with Terry when she was unwell as she did not see herself as the person she was.

An ambassador of the charity for five years, Terry heard about this and invited Miss Webster to meet him for a second time for a new set of photos.

She said: “I was so overwhelmed at the thoughtfulness of the invite and this really marks the end of everything I have been through.

“Make A Wish is truly wonderful - what they offer for people like me is priceless and so valuable. 

"I can't explain how much it meant to meet John again.”
         
The youngster was diagnosed with the disease after experiencing a headache for several days and being unable to pronounce words properly.

While she was in a coma, she was put on a strong course of chemotherapy and steroids, which eventually brought her round in January 2012.

She was declared clear of the condition in July this year.

Her mother, Tracie, said: "The wish had a huge impact on Arabella. 

"Meeting John gave her the strength to cope with her rehabilitation after the coma, as this was a particularly difficult time.

“John’s offer to meet for a second time was just fantastic and I hope Arabella’s story will raise awareness of this condition and encourage others not to ignore the warning signs if they are there.”

Visit make-a-wish.org.uk or call 01276 40 50 60.