Dying gran of Madonna's adopted daughter wishes to see grandchild for last time

The terminally ill grandmother of Madonna's adopted African daughter has begged the star to let the little girl visit her in Malawi.

Lucy Chekechiwa, 65, is too poor to afford treatment for what is feared to be cancer or a stomach tumour, the Mirror reported.

Lying on her death bed in Malawi, Chekechiwa wept as she told the Sunday People that her life is ending and she needs to bid farewell to Mercy.

Mercy, now seven, was orphaned when mum Mwandida - Chekechiwa's daughter - died aged 18 just two days after giving birth to her.

Chekechiwa tried to raise her before realising she needed better care and taking her to an orphanage, where she visited Mercy regularly.

The little girl was given a new home and life in 2009 by Madonna, who has two natural children and an adopted son, also from Malawi.