Aces High for little Rossi Starbook, fly to live ...
A six-year-old boy with cancer had the time of his life when he met his hero Bruce Dickinson at Download festival.
Rossi Starbrook – who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) when he was just four – is a heavy metal fan thanks to his rock-loving parents Leanne and Richard.
And when the Nottinghamshire youngster heard that his favourite band were headlining Download 2016, he set about recording himself singing the band's classic Aces High and posting it on YouTube.
The video went viral and led to Download chief Andy Copping getting in touch with the Starbrook family. Before little Rossi knew it, he was meeting the Maiden frontman – who had his own battle with cancer – backstage at Donington.And he watched the band's set while dressed up as a mini version of Maiden's mascot Eddie.
Leanne, 45, tells:
"A guy who used to work security for Maiden saw Rossi's video and it turned out he also knew Andy Copping. So we were put in touch and Andy was just amazing.
"It was Rossi's first time seeing Maiden live so it was a truly unforgettable experience for him. He is the chattiest little boy, but he clammed up when he met Bruce!
"But Bruce was so lovely and chatted with Rossi. To see my little man so happy was just wonderful. I can't ever do enough to thank everyone who made this happen.
"Rossi said to me, 'This is the best day ever. Download is the most awesome place.'"
