Manchester attack victim Evie Mills 'buzzing' after Ariana Grande visit
However, Mills remains unable to get tickets to the One Love Manchester Concert
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Less than two weeks after the terrible attack on Manchester that left 22 dead, Ariana Grande has returned to the city to visit those affected by the bombing.
Evie Mills — who suffered a fractured skull and wounds to her legs, chest, hip and wrist in the bombing — was left "buzzing" after the singer’s surprise visit to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
According to Evie’ mother, Grande was "lovely, adorable and humble" as she brought sunflowers and teddy bears as gifts, hugged victims and posed for selfies.
She described the visit as "unbelievable" and provided 30 minutes of "pure happiness" for her daughter and the other youngsters who were caught up in the May 22 attack.
Grande reportedly told the patients: "I’m so proud of you. You are so strong. You are doing really well".
Evie told the Press Association of the visit: "It was so good. She just kept hugging us.” Her mother Karen added: "I think Evie is just buzzing from the visit last night and to go home and see her friends as well."
Karen also spoke about the long and difficult recovery progress ahead, saying: ”We've had such down days in the hospital, and I think these girls have got a lot to go through still once the wounds have healed.
"So just seeing them smile and having 20 minutes, half an hour of pure happiness is unbelievable."
Evie is hoping to attend Sunday's One Love Manchester Concert — which features a star-studded line-up including Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Take That — but Karen says the family, along with many others on the ward, have been unable to secure tickets.
"Evie can go, as long as we can get access to a wheelchair and crutches. The problem is we can't get through to Ticketmaster," Karen said. "It's meant to be for the victims - and the girls have got it in their head that they want to go."
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She added: "The hospital have been brilliant. They've really tried but they need to concentrate on nursing and caring."
The event — which sold out within 20 minutes —will take place at Manchester’s 50,000 capacity Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground. All proceeds will go towards the We Love Manchester emergency fund, set up by Manchester City Council and British Red Cross.
The upcoming concert will also be broadcast on BBC One, starting at 6.55 pm and concluding at 10 pm.
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