Brave teenage burns victim Terri Calvesbert has a new friend … X Factor dream maker Simon Cowell.

Brave teenage burns victim Terri Calvesbert has a new friend … X Factor dream maker Simon Cowell.

The 13-year-old, who has recently become a teenager, has been getting phone calls from the star man to check how his “special friend” is doing.

And Terri proved that she definitely had the X Factor when Mr Cowell called to arrange a meeting with a fellow-burns victim.

The teenager has overcome horrific injuries which she sustained when a fire ripped through her Chantry home more than 11 years ago.

Then just 18 months old, she was left with 85 per cent burns to her body but her grace and courage touched the world.

After going through numerous skin graft operations and years of treatment, Mr Cowell plans to introduce Terri to 26-year-old model Katie Piper.

Miss Piper was recently featured in a Channel 4 documentary after acid was thrown in her face - leaving her scarred, blind in one eye and in need of over 30 corrective operations to repair the damage.

Dad and full-time carer, Paul, said that Terri was extremely excited after discovering that the “down to Earth” X Factor judge had phoned and that the call became “the talk of her school”.

He said: “Simon wanted to speak to us about a Katie, who has been through similar things as Terri and who had just had treatment in France. Terri was in bed asleep when Simon called and we didn't really know how to tell her in the morning, but she was very excited and went to school and told everyone - I think it was the talk of her school.”

X Factor fan Terri, who referred to Mr Cowell as “funny”, is supporting Olly Murs in this years contest, but her favourites were duo John and Edward who were voted off the show two weeks ago.

She said: “I really liked Jedward because they were funny and entertaining - I liked all the dancing.

“I normally agree with what Simon says, because he does know what he's talking about - but I didn't agree when he was horrible about John and Edward.”

As well as arranging the meeting, Cowell has also invited Terri, of Shakespeare Road, along to watch the X Factor live in London.

Max Clifford, Cowell's agent, said: “Terri is such a brave little girl and Simon is really hoping that he is able to help her. He really wants to set up a meeting between Terri and Kate, who was also affected by burns, because he thinks that they can help each other.

“He's been on the phone to her family and last year he invited her to the X Factor - he thinks she is such a brave little girl.”

Terri, who has grown in confidence since starting Westbourne Sports College, first met Simon last year when she was taken on a surprise visit to London to see the rehearsal's of the X Factor.

Her 36-year-old dad later said that Simon and Terri had “hit it off” last year, with the popular judge referring to Terri as his “special friend”.

Have you got a message of support of Terri? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

The Terri Calvesbert Appeal

GENEROUS donations totalling more than �400,000 have ensured that Terri's life goes as smoothly as possible.

A trust fund, which has invested cash have an appeal launched by the Star in the days after the horrific fire, will be used to improve her quality of life.

One option is to buy and adapt a home as she becomes more independent.

Originally the appeal was only intended to raise �5,000, but Terri's worldwide story has prompted an overwhelming number of donations.

The trust fund is being managed by a board of trustees, including Star editor Nigel Pickover, a firm of solicitors and Terri's relatives.

The fund has so far paid out for a computer to help her with school work.

Terri's story

November 21, 1998 - Terri suffers 85 per cent burns of her body after a fire in her Chantry home.

July, 1999 - After seven months in hospital and several life-saving skin grafts, Terri is allowed to return home.

August 2000 - Terri has three hours of plastic surgery to rebuild her damaged face.

December 2001 - Terri met then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and wife Cherie Blair at the Children of Courage awards.

December 2002 - Terri was taken to Lapland to spend Christmas Eve in the snow.

July 2007 - Terri's mother Julie speaks out in a national magazine for the first time about how she walked out on the family because she was racked with guilt.

June 2008 - Terri is a bridesmaid at her dad's wedding to stepmum Nicky.

September 2008 - Terri starts at Westbourne Sports College.

November 24, 2009 - Terri turns 13-years-old.