Brave Isabella's family raises money to help more children

ISABELLA Cook’s battle with rare heart problems has inspired her family to raise cash to help other children.

The 12-year-old, from Harrogate, was born with a number of heart conditions rarely seen together.

Her courage dealing with her problems has inspired her family to raise 100,000 for the children’s heart surgery unit at Leeds General Infirmary.

Cash collected recently has bought two high-technology ultrasound machines, which enable blood vessels to be seen clearly.

Dr John Roche, consultant children’s intensivist and anaesthetist at LGI, said: “These much more advanced machines have come out which give us a much better picture.”

Isabella was born with her heart on the wrong side, two chambers back to front and a hole in the heart.

Her parents, Patti and Andy, support Leeds charity the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund by holding an annual Halloween ball. Isabella is organising her own charity event for teenagers.

n Isabella’s barbecue and masquerade party will be held on October 28 and the Halloween Ball on October 30, both at the Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate. To buy tickets contact Patti on 07810 747778 or the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund on 0113 392 5907.