PUPILS of a Bradford primary school dressed in red to help raise money for a charity that helped save the life of one of their classmates.

Copthorne Primary School took part in Wear Red Day yesterday to raise cash for the Children's Hearts Surgery Fund, which will go to buy equipment and resources for the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, based at the Leeds General Infirmary, the region’s only heart unit.

One of the pupils that took part is six-year-old Malaika Rafiq. Brave Malaika had seen the good work of the charity first hand just over a year ago, when she had open heart surgery to deal with recurring chest problems.

Yesterday she and her classmates gave a donation to ditch their uniforms for the day and wear red. And the school was even visited by Katie Bear, the charity's mascot.

The school was one of 200 schools and businesses in Yorkshire to take part in the event.

Her mother, Sanam Rafiq, said; “She first had open heart surgery in August 2010 because of her having recurrent chest problems. We have been told she is life limited and she will need further more surgeries.

“We have experienced the help for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund first hand and this is a fantastic way to give something back.

"Knowing Malaika has a complicated heart condition and is life limited it has made me appreciate every little thing that I may have taken for granted. Her special heart has made me a stronger person, given me strength and an aim in life.

"Malaika is fully aware of her heart condition and she kept me strong."

During the surgery, she suffered vocal cord palsy and doctors had to put a tracheostomy to help her breathe. Questions were raised over whether she would ever speak again, but luckily she regained her voice.

Mrs Rafiq added: "I can’t thank the doctors, nurses, CHSF team and everyone who was involved in Malaika’s care.

"To show my appreciation I have decided to fundraise for CHSF by doing a red day in her school also selling cupcakes on a daily basis."

She has raised over £800, just by selling cupcakes, and the money raised by the school event is still being counted.

Myriam Barker community fundraiser for the charity, said: "I was really honoured to be here. I saw Malaika last year when she was on intensive care, so it was great to see her at school today."

Other schools across Bradford, including Harden Primary School, have also worn red for the charity.

Sharon Coyle, CEO of Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, said: “At least 10,000 babies and children from Yorkshire, Humber and North Lincolnshire pass through the unit each year with around 400 of these patients having open heart surgery.”