Stella will step out before a likely 70,000-plus crowd

She was selected after winning a BBC Radio Wales competition to lead the players out for the final Euro 2004 qualifying game against Serbia-Montenegro at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

But unfortunately for the 13-year-old from Welshpool, her team lost the match 3 - 2.

She was nominated for mascot duties by her grandmother, Margaret Herdman, who thought she was the perfect candidate for the contest to reward a child between eight and 14 for doing something out of the ordinary.

Stella, her two brothers and father, help care for her disabled mother Jane, who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

We were looking for someone who did out of the ordinary stuff on a daily basis and Stella captured our hearts BBC Wales' Roy Noble

"I am really excited about it but a little bit nervous as well," she said before the game.

"All my friends at school have said they are going to watch me and it should be really good."

After reading about Stella in a letter from Mrs Herdman, presenter Roy Noble decided she was the right choice to lead out Mark Hughes' team.

"We set out to reward a child that goes the extra mile to help his family, friends or the community," he said.

"So many children help out quietly, behind closed doors and never receive any recognition for their efforts.

Presenter Roy Noble thought Stella should be given the honour

"We were looking for someone who did out of the ordinary stuff on a daily basis and Stella captured our hearts.

"Leading the Welsh team on to the field in such an important game is a huge honour - it will be a once in a lifetime experience for the mascot and the perfect way to say thank you," he added.

In her letter nominating Stella, Mrs Herdman said of Stella: "She plays a major part in caring for her mum on a daily basis.