Christmas came early for a girl who got the chance to meet her favourite boy band, One Direction.

Sara Badallaj, from Barnes, was one of 36 children who met their idols at a surprise performance hosted by charity Rays of Sunshine, which grants wishes for seriously ill children across the country.

The 12-year-old had kidney failure diagnosed last summer and is waiting for a transplant.

Her mother, Albana Badallaj, said: “Sara had such a lovely day. We are so happy she got her wish granted. The One Direction boys are lovely and Sara keeps smiling.”

Sara and her family enjoyed lunch before heading to Cineworld in Wembley, where she thought she would watch the band’s film but was surprised when it was interrupted by the boys shining torches.

The band, ambassadors for the charity, treated the stunned audience to an acoustic performance before meeting them in person and handing over signed T-shirts, watches and tickets to their 2014 tour.