BRAVE little Bella Restuccia has inspired her pop idol Pixie Lott to become an ambassador of a children’s charity.

The singer-songwriter met the bubbly five-year-old, of Swindon, during a meeting arranged by Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity. The pop star was so moved by the youngster’s battle with cancer that she named a necklace from her Rock ’n Rose jewellery collection after her and decided to become an ambassador for the organisation.

Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity, which was formed in 2003, grants wishes for seriously ill children in the UK aged between three and 18. Other Rays of Sunshine celebrity ambassadors include Gordon Ramsay, Leona Lewis, JLS and One Direction.

Bella was diagnosed with muscle cancer in the wall of her chest last year and has since undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Her condition was deteriorating and her mum Hailey Restuccia contacted Rays of Sunshine for a desperately needed distraction from her medical appointments and treatment.

Despite her condition, Bella is a happy and lively child who loves pop music and is a huge fan of All About Tonight singer Pixie, so the charity arranged a girly getaway to London for Bella, her mum and godmother Liza Goddard.

After a night in a top London hotel, a charity representative escorted them to Trafalgar Square where Pixie was performing, and the trio sang and danced their way through the concert before being taken backstage to meet the star afterwards.

Hailey, 33, said: “Meeting Pixie has proved as beneficial as any medicine.

“Bella’s smile after she met Pixie was amazing. She was smiling from ear to ear and couldn’t quite believe what happened or that she was real. It’s inspired her so much, and it’s amazing that she’s responding to treatment for the first time. It’s the best news we’ve had for a long time.”

Pixie said: “I am absolutely honoured to become an ambassador for Rays of Sunshine. Bella’s twinkly, smiley face made my day and I only hope I can help the charity to spread more beautiful smiles.”

Jane Sharpe, chief executive of Rays of Sunshine, said: “Pixie has always been wonderful with our wish children and was incredible when she performed for over 1,500 seriously ill children at our concert at the Royal Albert Hall early this year.

“We are absolutely thrilled to formally welcome her as an ambassador. Her support will enable us to brighten up the lives of even more seriously ill children in the UK.”