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Harrogate heart op girl's family raises £100,000 EXCLUSIVE
A 12-year-old's battle with rare heart problems has inspired her family to help revolutionise care for other poorly children in Leeds.
Isabella Cook was born with her heart on the wrong side, two chambers back to front and a hole in the heart.
And her inspirational bravery in facing her problems has inspired her family, who have raised 100,000 for the children's heart surgery unit at Leeds General Infirmary.
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57,000 has been used to buy two high-tech ultrasound machines which will improve care for youngsters having major cardiac surgery.
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Isabella herself could even benefit when she undergoes her next operation soon.
Dr John Roche, consultant children's intensivist and anaesthetist at LGI, said: "It's absolutely fantastic.
"They have really revolutionised what we do.
"As well as making things easier, they have also made them safer."
The youngster, from Harrogate, was born with a string of heart conditions rarely seen together.She had eight-hour open heart surgery at 13 days old after she collapsed at home and doctors found her cardiac problems.
Then she had another op when she was five and will need more surgery, probably later this year. Her parents Patti and Andy have supported Leeds charity the Children's Heart Surgery Fund by holding an annual Hallowe'en ball since she was born.
Cash collected recently has paid for the two latest model ultrasound machines, which enable medics to see blood vessels clearly, making it easier to insert catheters which are needed during heart operations.
Dr Roche said: "These much more advanced machines have come out which give us a much better picture. "In the old days it took a lot of skill and expertise to use the machines effectively - now I am able to teach people in a much shorter period of time."
He said it was likely the machine would be used during Isabella's next operation, so she would benefit from her family's fundraising.
As well as her mum's efforts, this year Isabella is also organising a charity event for teenagers too. She said: "I'm organising it with my friend helping me and we have done our own sponsor letters."
The youngster said she was keen to support the hospital which had done so much for her. "They have done it for me so I want to give something back," she said. Mum Patti added: "I'm really proud."
As well as the two ultrasound machines, the fund has also spent 130,000 on two new 3D heart scanners for the LGI.
* The next fundraising events are Isabella's barbecue and masquerade party on October 28 and the Hallowe'en Ball on October 30, both at the Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate. To buy tickets or offer support, contact Patti on 07810 747778 or the Children's Heart Surgery Fund on 0113 392 5907.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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