Dartmouth Girl Meets Ed Sheeran at Boston Children’s Hospital, Enjoys Personal Performance of His Favorite Song

Once again, Ed Sheeran has proven he's one of the kindest souls in the industry.

He quietly visited Boston Children's Hospital last week ahead of his headlining appearance at Boston Calling. Among the young patients he met was 11-year-old Nora McNeil of Dartmouth, who was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Nora's mother, Shannon McNeil, described the experience as surreal.

“I was so tired and out of it, I still haven’t processed the enormity of meeting him and his performance, but it was awesome,” she said.

The special event took place in the Ryan Seacrest Studio inside the hospital, a small, intimate room accommodating around 30 people.

Katie, Nora's child-life specialist, had a surprise for the McNeils that morning. Just as Nora was about to be discharged, Katie asked if the family could stay until dinner to meet a famous singer. Initially, the McNeils assumed it would be a local artist, but they were thrilled to discover an hour later that it was none other than Sheeran, who was in town for the music festival.

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Sheeran's visit was nothing short of magical for the young patients.

Nora, delighted by the encounter, had her new phone signed by Sheeran and asked him about his favorite song. It turns out Sheeran likes "Perfect" so much that it was one of two songs he performed at the hospital, along with "Castle on the Hill."

The singer's kindness was evident throughout his visit. He took time to engage and take photos with the children, offering to stay longer than planned.

Shannon McNeil was deeply moved by Sheeran's compassion.

“He is just as genuinely kind as it gets and wanted to sign pictures for all the kids. That struck us the most — his kindness,” she said.

Sheeran's visit to Boston Children's Hospital brought smiles and a sense of wonder to the young patients, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come. Especially for Nora, who was lucky enough to spend some personal time alongside other patients at Boston Children's Hospital, for a day they'll never forget.