Family day out in Edinburgh for girl, five, after life-saving heart transplant
A girl who has faced 'challenged beyond her years' enjoyed a family day out in Edinburgh - after waiting over a year in hospital for a life-saving transplant.
Evie Green, five-years-old, was diagnosed with myocarditis when she was just a baby. Her condition, which sees the heart muscle become inflamed and weakened, progressed until she was in urgent need of a heart transplant.
In the spring of 2023, Evie was placed on a Berlin Heart Ventricular Assist Device while waiting for the transplant. She couldn't run or play, and had to stay in the hospital to be connected to the machine.
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Evie, who lives in Middlesbrough with her family, finally received a transplant last summer. She received support from The Charlie and Carter Foundation, who provide financial relief to families of critically ill children.
Along with Lumo, the foundation provided a trip to Edinburgh for Evie and her family for some much-needed fun. They stopped off at Edinburgh Zoo and Camera Obscura, and Evie enjoyed a ride in Lumo's driver's cab.
Evie’s mum, Chloe Green, said: "We are very grateful to Lumo for providing a VIP day out in Edinburgh and to The Charlie and Carter Foundation for nominating our family for this special trip.
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"Evie received a heart transplant last summer and was in hospital for 18 months overall, so it is so nice to be able to go on days out thanks to Evie’s special donor heart. We had a fantastic trip exploring Edinburgh, going to the zoo, Camera Obscura and walking along the Royal Mile and we will be forever grateful for this trip."
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have given Evie and her family a wonderful day out in Edinburgh.
"After spending so much time in hospital and missing out on experiences most children enjoy, providing them with a memorable day of fun together was truly the least we could do.
"We’re proud to partner with South Shields based Charlie and Carter Foundation, whose incredible work supports families like Evie’s right across the country. We look forward to continuing our efforts together to make a meaningful difference."
Sarah Cookson MBE, co-founder of The Charlie and Carter Foundation said: "The biggest thank you to Lumo for organising this very special trip out for Evie and her family, helping them make precious memories to treasure forever.
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"This beautiful and brave little girl has spent so long in hospital and her family have spent so long worrying, they deserve the world and more. Our charity provides financial support to families who care 24/7 for their sick children who are suffering from life limiting conditions and we know only too well how much they struggle and worry each day.
"Days like these would have just been a dream before Evie received her gift of life. Thank you never seems enough, but thank you Lumo, it was a day they will remember forever.”