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Bronte is a model heart girl
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| Bronte Crossley on the catwalk |
Shipley teenage heart transplant patient has beaten the odds to realise her dream of becoming a catwalk model.
Bronte Crossley, 13, was born with a condition called idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. As a baby she had heart failure and received a heart transplant at only one yearold.
Since then she has been plagued by various health problems and encountered chest infections, fainting spells and was even fitted with a pacemaker before she was ten.
The teenager has always dreamed of modelling on the catwalk so when she was invited to turn fashionista and join professional models from Yorkshire agency, Shine, she jumped at the chance.
The fashion show was organised by the Yorkshire Publicity Association and hosted by Otley-based online clothing retailer, www.jemboutique.com who also sponsored the evening of fashion.
Along with eight experienced Shine models, Bronte hit the catwalk wearing a range of jemboutique's outfits from casual camisoles to trendy tunics.
The event at the Woodlands Hotel in Leeds, raised £1,000 for The Children's Cardio-Thoracic Transplant Fund, a charity based at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle where Bronte was treated.
Bronte's mum, Carla Crossley and her transplant nurse, Julie Flett, were there to cheer her on.
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| Bronte, centre, with the professional models |
Carla said: "Bronte has had a difficult and unpredictable start to life which has involved many trips to the specialist centre at the Freeman Hospital in the north east, many lengthy hospital stays, lifelong medication and ongoing concerns about her health.
"She always manages to stay optimistic and smile in the face of adversity which is a true inspiration to us all. I am so proud of Bronte's performance on the catwalk - she looked a real natural, while also raising money for the Transplant Fund."
Julie Flett, children's transplant liaison sister, has known Bronte since she was unwell as a baby and is familiar with just how brave and strong Bronte has been.
She said: "Over the years Bronte has done extremely well and has grown up into a lovely young girl. She has endured many things though she remains cheerful and enjoys life to the full.
"The Freeman Hospital is one of only two hospitals in the UK which do children's heart and lung transplants and children are referred from many areas in England, Ireland and Scotland.
"The Children's Cardio-Thoracic Transplant fund has proved an invaluable resource to improve the facilities and quality of the service we offer families. We are delighted that Bronte was able to make her mark on the catwalk and also raise much needed funds."
7:25am Thursday 1st May 2008
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