Perrie Edwards surprises 8-year-old Pride of Britain winner in tear-jerking moment

When Florrie Bark, eight, entered the bright pink cafe in central London, she was stunned to see all her favourite things on offer. There were unicorn cakes, a nail art station, sweets to enjoy and a video of one of her most-loved pop stars playing on a TV screen. The little girl, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of five, was overcome with excitement.

But it was nothing compared to what was to happen next.

The music suddenly stopped, and former 31, walked off screen and round the corner to surprise the youngster, who shrieked with delight. “This is so cool! This is so cool,” exclaimed Florrie, as Perrie gave her a hug and told the news that she had won the Child of Courage award at the Daily in partnership with TSB, which takes place on October 21.

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“You are amazing,” Perrie told the wide-eyed youngster. “I’ve come here because I was excited to meet you! You are fab!” Florrie’s full name is Florence Ava Bark, and her initials spell out ‘FAB,’ which is also the name of her successful TikTok account—' BeMoreFab’.

Florrie, who is fab by nature as well as name, spreads positivity to her more than 162.4K, raising their spirits with her zest for life despite having and currently waiting for a lung transplant.

Mum-of-one Perrie and the young TikTokker instantly hit it off, with the singer proclaiming the pair were now ‘cake besties’ and they chatted about their love of music and munched on treats. “It feels so strange, and I feel so happy and excited to win a Pride of Britain award,” Florrie, who is from Corby, Northamptonshire, told the Mirror afterwards.

“When Perrie started talking to me I was so shocked, and I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I didn’t know what to do. I was so happy. I’ve always wanted to meet the singer and I love her music,” she added. “I write my own songs and I want one day to be like Perrie. I love her. It made me so happy.”

Perrie, who shot to fame on the but has now launched a successful solo career, was equally as thrilled to meet the inspirational youngster, gushing: “She is so cute and adorable. We are new best friends. For a little girl going through so much, her outlook on life is just so fun and fab. I just think she is great. I absolutely love her. She is so deserving of a Pride of Britain Award, the way she sees life she is just 10 out of 10.”

Florrie’s proud parents Stacey and Andrew Bark were also at the cafe to watch their daughter meet Perrie, as well as her 11-year-old brother Freddie. Stacey, 34, says: "I couldn't put into words how proud I am of her. Just every single thing she does makes us proud. She's probably got a lot of other people through this really rubbish situation our family has been put in. She's just absolutely incredible."

Florrie is now getting ready to attend Pride of Britain on Monday 21 October at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, and the family even watched a rerun of the show the other night. “We watched Pride of Britain a couple of nights ago and she was just sitting there with her mouth wide open like, I can't believe I've won this. She's just over the moon.”

Aside from looking forward to gracing the red carpet, in a dress Florrie designed herself, the eight-year-old is also looking forward to keeping in contact with her new A-list bestie. “Perrie has been sending Florrie voice notes,” explains Stacey. “She has messaged me and asked how she’s doing and Florrie is so excited. Perrie is just so lovely with her!”

Donate to Florrie's charity, Be More Fab:

Florrie has recently launched her own charity, also called , to help other children with cancer. The charity aims to provide online and in-person education, as well as activities like music therapy, for children with cancer, ensuring they don’t miss out on learning or fun while they’re undergoing treatment.

To give her charity the kickstart it deserves, we’ve set up a , and we’re asking for your help to make this surprise truly unforgettable. Perrie Edwards, 31, says, "Florrie is absolutely incredible, and she needs your help. So please donate where you can."

• Don’t miss the Pride of Britain awards, on Thursday, October 24 at 8pm on ITV1 & ITVX

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