Heart hero Summer inspires school to put best foot forward

A pupil at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Alnwick who has already undergone two heart transplants has inspired her classmates to put on their running shoes and raise £4,020 for the Gateshead charity that has helped her on her journey back to health. ​

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Year 5 pupil Summer decided to share the story of how she recovered from being born with a heart condition in a Powerpoint presentation that she gave to the rest of the school.

Afterwards, Summer, members of her family and the whole school took part in a fun run, to see how many laps they could do in 15 minutes, and to raise money for CHUF, the Children’s Heart Unit Fund at the Freeman Hospital. 

“The story Summer told us is absolutely remarkable,” said the school’s head teacher Eileen Lomax. “She underwent two heart transplants in just over a year, and still has to go for check-ups every eight weeks, and we were all amazed when she explained all that she had been through, which is why we decided to do our bit to help the people who had helped her.” 

St Paul’s is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, which runs 39 schools.

Some fun runners entered into the spirit of the day by donning fancy dress, and a first aider was on hand to explain to parents the importance of CPR and defibrillators. 
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“My heart is working well now,” said Summer.  “It is nearly 10 years since I had my first transplant and every transplant anniversary, which I call my Happy Heart Day, I light a candle for both of my donors and their families. 

“CHUF helps Heart Heroes like me and their families. They funded the building of the playroom I used when I was in hospital, and they still help me now, and have purchased an Accuvein machine which helps with my blood tests when I go to the clinic. The money we raised will help children like me.”