It's been a difficult time for the Wilburn family but last weekend they got a rare treat and were able to meet the British-Irish boy band One Direction during their stop in Auckland.

Shona Wilburn was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008 and has been receiving help from Hospice West Auckland which provides free specialist palliative care and support for people with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

Wilburn and her family, including husband Sam, 12-year-old Blake and MacKenzie, 10, were given tickets through Hospice West Auckland to see the pop sensations perform one of two sold-out shows at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson.

MacKenzie was in shock, especially when she got to have her brush with fame.

"She was gobsmacked. She couldn't believe it," Wilburn says.

After the 2.30pm concert they were introduced to One Direction and spent 10 minutes with the band.

"We had a reasonable chat. They were such nice boys. They said they were enjoying being in New Zealand and were having fun."

MacKenzie was in awe.

"She was totally starstruck," Wilburn says.

She says the family's hearing is a little worse for wear after the concert full of the thousands of screaming teenagers but says it was a great day.

"I suffer from seizures and can't drive so it's restricted what the kids can do.

"To get an opportunity like this is amazing for them and very much appreciated. So we'd like to say a big thanks to hospice."

Hospice spokeswoman Kathryn van Beek says it tries to help families create lasting memories of their time together when one of their loved ones is facing a terminal or life-threatening illness.

And she says they couldn't have picked a better family to win.

"Their daughter MacKenzie already had a poster shrine to One Direction on her bedroom wall."

She says the tickets were donated by one of its supporters who wants to remain anonymous.

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