The 11-year-old, pictured, who lost her leg in a hit and run crash last year, was invited to present Sophie, Countess of Wessex, with a bouquet.

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The Pennywell schoolgirl joined a host of famous Wearside faces, including Niall Quinn and Bob Murray, for the celebrations to mark the 5th anniversary of the SAFC Foundation.

Gran Liz, 48, said: "She was over-the-moon to meet Niall Quinn. He even gave her a kiss."

Danica lost part of her right leg from the knee down after the tragedy 12 months ago in which Paula Stead, 32, was killed.

Since then, she has faced numerous visits to hospital as she battles back to health.

Liz, of St Luke's Road, Ford Estate, said: "The Countess was very normal and kind. She told Danica how pretty she looked and asked a little bit about her leg.

"We were all a little bit nervous, but she really put us as ease."
It has been a hectic few months for the schoolgirl, who is having a new prosthetic limb fitted in Hampshire.

The limb is being made by the same company used by Heather Mills McCartney.

Despite her bravery, Danica has missed a substantial amount of school since the accident. Her family say she is yet to complete a full week since beginning at Pennywell School.

During recent weeks, she has been back in Sunderland Royal Hospital due to increasing complications with the left foot, badly injured in the smash.

Last Friday she quietly marked the first anniversary of Mrs Stead's death.

Liz, of St Luke's Road, said: "It has been a difficult time, particularly with the anniversary. So it is lovely to be invited to go down to London and take part in something that's so special."

The SAFC Foundation has benefited 20,000 young people and their parents during the past year with its educational programmes throughout Sunderland, Durham and South Tyneside.