Cancer patient Kia Lettice dies days after 'priceless' visit from Beau Ryan

A cancer patient whose last wish was to meet her hero Beau Ryan has died in hospital days after a 'priceless' visit from the star.

Sydney girl Kia Lettice got to meet the retired Australian rugby league player after her friend posted an appeal on Facebook.

Beau Ryan rushed to be at the bedside of Kia Lettice. Photo: Facebook / Mahalia Murphy

The 22-year-old, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015, died "peacefully in her sleep".

"It saddens me to announce that Kia Louise Lettice, my beautiful angel has passed, she passed peacefully in her sleep and with loved ones around," her mother Patti wrote on Facebook.

"All the family would like to thank everyone for their support through this journey and sad time."

Her friend Mahalia Murphy, who posted the appeal, also wrote on Facebook: "Heart-breaking to share with [you] all that the beautiful Kia Louis Lettice has sadly left us today.

"She has touched a lot of people's [hearts] around the world and is now pain free and in better hands with the man above and her passed loved ones. She had her loved ones by her side at the hardest time. Just want to thank all that had supported Kia in any way and helped her fly away with a smile.

"Everyone has been named a legend for helping her, but the real legend is Kia for fighting through the pain in the past eight months!

Kia Lettice died days after the visit from Beau Ryan. Photo: Facebook

"No one will ever forget your big bright blue eyes and your big beautiful smile! Fly high beautiful girl and watch over your loved ones. You left this world with a bang sister!"

Ms Murphy, an Australian Rugby Sevens player, had posted a Facebook status saying that her friend was in Sydney's Prince of Wales hospital with cancer and did not have long to live, and wanted nothing more than a visit from either Greg Inglis or Beau Ryan. 

The post was shared over 600 times a shortly afterwards, Ryan commented, saying he was leaving Shellharbour, on the South Coast, and that he'd be there in two hours, before urging Ms Lettice to "stay strong.

The 31-year-old former rugby league star was then photographed with both Ms Murphy and Ms Lettice at the Prince of Wales Hospital at just after 10pm. 

In a second Facebook post, Ms Murphy described Ryan's visit as a "priceless moment for my girl".

"The energy she gained from his presence was amazing! Beau Ryan is a legend!," she wrote. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support Kia's family.

The Daily Telegraph, UK, Matt Bungard