I Cried For Harry's Ill Fans
(November 16, 2005)
Source: Daily Record

HARRY POTTER star Katie Leung was reduced to tears by the plight of cancer-stricken fans of the boy wizard.

Each week, the children fulfilled their dreams when they met the cast on set during the filming of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire.

Katie, 18, from Motherwell, said: "It could be emotionally draining and I would get emotionally involved and get upset because they were terminally ill children.

"It was surprising how many kids' wishes were to come to the set and it was amazing to make such an impact on their lives."

They were the guests of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, who try to fulfil the fantasies of children aged three to 18 who have life-threatening illnesses.

In the UK alone, they have granted more than 4000 special wishes since starting up in 1986.

Originally formed in the US in 1980, there are now more than 30 branches throughout the world.

Harry's creator, JK Rowling, is a fan and recently donated a signed pillowcase for an auction to raise money for the charity.

Katie added: "It was great to help make the children happy and it was surprising how pleased they were to meet me."

She beat 4000 other girls at an audition in London to win the role of Cho Chang, the girl Harry falls for in the Goblet Of Fire film, which is released on Friday.

Earlier this year, she was upset when jealous fans of star Daniel Radcliffe started a "hate Katie" site on the internet

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