Lagan's Foundation make donation so schoolgirl can go on trip

Lagan's Foundation loaned 11-year-old Ellie-May O'Connor a defibrillator by a Bolton charity in case she goes into cardiac arrest.

Ellie-May has a heart condition called CPVT type 1, which means she cannot allow a adrenaline increase in her blood as it could prove fatal.

Diagnosed at birth, Ellie-May shares the genetic condition with her dad Sean and now the family are fundraising for a defibrillator worth around £2000 to keep at home which could save her life.

Lagan’s Foundation has  given the family temporary use of a defibrillator but is supporting them to obtain one in their home.

Mum, Tara O’Connor said: “She is just a happy go lucky child with a little sister she adores.

“Unless you knew already, you would not know about her heart condition.

“Because she is getting older the hospital said to get a defibrillator at home so we have the best chance at saving her should she collapse.”

Adrenaline makes the heartbeat faster and into an unnatural rhythm for those with the condition.

Carren Bell, founder of Lagan’s Foundation, said she was moved by the family’s story and wanted to help them.

She said: “It’s a project that made my team motivated shows how something little can go so far.

“This is the first one we have given out and it meant that Ellie-May could go on her end of year trip, it’s one of the biggest times in their lives and she would have missed out on it had she not had it.”

Lagan’s Foundation  felt it was something they wanted to continue.

Carren said: “It can help anyone that needs it, and you don’t need to know what to do as it talks to you with instructions, but we gave the family and school some training.

“We hoped they would not have to use it on the trip, and they did not.”

This is just one example of how the charity helps families in and out of Bolton with numerous projects.

Tara, who lives with her family in Glossop, said: “I want to thank everyone that helps us because as a family this means the world to us and could mean her life.

“We want to keep her as happy and as safe as possible.”

So far, the family have raised £1,601.25 of their £2000 target for the defibrillator.

Lagan's Foundation was set up  in memory of Lagan Katherine Anne Grant who died at just 15 weeks in 2011 after being born with complex congenital heart defects.

The foundation provides support for families whose child has a congenital heart defect and/ or struggles with feeding in their own home.

Demand for its services means it helps families across the country

Donate here to support the family raise money for a defibrillator https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/24060?#!/DonationDetails)