Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis sends message to Bexhill teenager

Potter fanatic Sophia Hodge, 14, has collected anything related to the films and books since she fell in love with them at the age of six.

The youngster has been battling leukaemia since she was nine.

Now Neville Longbottom actor Matthew has surprised her with a special recorded message as she continues her treatment.

Sophia's mother Victoria said: “Throughout her journey, the Harry Potter films and books have brought her so much joy and have provided her with a sense of escapism during her ongoing tough treatment.

Sophia Hodge in hospital with a Harry Potter cake (Image: Children with Cancer UK)

"Sophia was absolutely amazed to receive the special message from Matthew and has kept replaying it.

"His kind words of support have provided her with a real sense of encouragement for her journey ahead."

In the video Matthew said the way Sophia has faced up to the challenges that life has given her was "incredibly inspiring" and he was proud to hear her story.  

He ended the video by saying "from one Gryffindor to another, well done and take care".

Sophia, from Bexhill, was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 2019 and finished her treatment later that year but the cancer returned in May 2022.

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Since then she has undergone treatments including a bone marrow transplant and has spent time in  intensive care.

Matthew recorded his message to Sophia as part of the Heroes Against Cancer initiative run by Children With Cancer UK.

Mum Victoria added: "No matter what is thrown at her – chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, learning to walk again, relentless scans and tests - Sophia has faced it all head on, she is a true warrior and heroine in every sense of the word.

Matthew Lewis (Image: Children with Cancer UK)

"We’re incredibly proud of the strength, resilience and courage Sophia has shown and continues to show during her treatment and we hope that sharing our story will help raise awareness and understanding of childhood cancer and highlight the importance of new scientific research to help beat this devastating disease.”

Children With Cancer UK helps to support patients across the country including funding research into cancer.

The charity has raised more than £300 million in over 25 years of work and has invested in more than 300 research projects.