A brave five-year-old diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening blood condition has seen a lifelong dream come true in Blackpool.

Ruby Marshall, who was diagnosed with Pearson's syndrome at just 11 months old, met her hero Mouse, from the much-loved children's book The Gruffalo, in a world-first appearance at The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse. The Merlin-owned attraction gave Ruby the VIP treatment, complete with a special storytelling session and a morning spent entirely in Mouse's company.

"I love Mouse – it is my favourite character ever," said Ruby, from Lancaster. "I have all of the books and it was just so exciting to meet Mouse in person. It is a day I will never forget!"

She was joined by her mum, Nikki, dad, John, and sisters Connie, nine, and Freya, seven.

Ruby's diagnosis – a rare mitochondrial disorder with no cure and little research behind it – meant regular blood transfusions every few weeks for more than two years, amounting to an estimated 30 to 40 units of blood from strangers she will never meet.

"Pearson's syndrome is ridiculously rare and doesn't have a great prognosis," said Nikki. "We feel lucky that Ruby is still alive as a lot of babies don't make it to their first birthday. Ruby is well at the moment, though, thanks to her blood transfusions, so we are treasuring that and trying to make as many special memories for her as we possibly can while she is well.

"We're ever optimistic that Ruby has the best case of Pearson's and we will have a while with her. She's absolutely perfect, she has hit incredible milestones which we never anticipated she would. So, putting our terrified hearts in a box, we're determined to give her a wonderful, loving life while she is well."

Those donations of blood have done more than keep Ruby alive – they have given her the strength to play with her sisters and her brother, Jack, 16, for another day, buying the family more time together than they once dared hope for.

Her story comes as the NHS urges more people to donate blood, particularly O negative – the universal type Ruby relied on throughout her treatment. It was donations like these that made today's visit possible, allowing Ruby to meet Mouse on his first-ever live appearance.

Jenn McDonough, General Manager at The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, said: "It has been a very special day welcoming Ruby to the attraction and to meet Mouse. It was so lovely to see that big smile on her face when she met Mouse for the first time. We want to make dreams come true for children, and hopefully today we did exactly that. Mouse is a character generations have grown up with, and we can't wait to welcome even more families throughout the summer."

For further information, show times and tickets, visit: gruffaloclubhouse.com/blackpool

Anyone wishing to donate blood can find out more at blood.co.uk.