ROMANIAN youngster Madalina Zapodeanu's dream 'to see the Queen and Big Ben' was granted today - thanks to the kind-hearted boss of an international airline. The eight-year-old who has been staying in Bolton for the past two years with Kath and David Richardson while she undergoes medical treatment on her arm has always wanted to visit London. So after seeing the boss of easyJet - Stelios Haji-loannou - on the television, the couple contacted him.

And he came up with four tickets, for Madalina, Kath, David and 16-year-old Adina Florea from Romania, who has been spending some of the festive holiday with the family.

Kath said: "I knew how much she wanted to go to London so I contacted easyJet to see if they could help. I was thrilled to bits when I was told the airline would fly us to London.

"I saw Mr Haji-loannou on television and thought he seemed a very caring family man and I hoped he'd be able to help us. I couldn't believe it when he gave us four tickets to fly to London."

This morning the family set off on their trip of a lifetime with a busy schedule to make sure they fitted in all the sights during their stay.

And they had kept the trip a surprise from Madalina until the last minute.

Kath said: "I knew we'd never get her to sleep if she had been told. We just told her that she had to pack some things together for a trip to Liverpool."

It is only the second time Madalina has been on an aeroplane.

Her home is a Romanian orphanage in Dersca and before she came to Bolton two years ago she didn't speak a word of English. Now she speaks fluent English and loves her lessons at Bolton School.

She has to stay in England while she has vital medical treatment, which includes operations on her disabled arm.

Wishing Madalina all the best, the chairman of easyJet, Mr Haji-loannou, said: "I was moved to hear of some of the traumas that Madalina has suffered in her short life and how she has bravely overcome a number of difficulties.

"Her one dream is to visit London to see the sights and easyJet is delighted to be able to offer Madalina and her family the opportunity to fulfil this ambition.

"The daily easyJet services between Liverpool and London-Luton will enable the family to spend the day exploring the capital and I wish them the very best for their trip and the new Millennium."

The family flew from Liverpool Airport at 6.50am and are due back this evening.

Kath said their plan of campaign was to start with Buckingham Palace moving on to Trafalgar Square and then, if the weather was fine, they would take a boat trip down the River Thames to Tower Bridge, taking a good look at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. They were also hoping to take a trip around the Tower of London.

Kath added: "It will be hard work but we'll have fun and I know Madalina will have a wonderful day. It is something she has always dreamed of."

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