Sponsored by
Sport plays vital role in health battle
Brave Simone Phillipson lives under the shadow of a rare condition which has led to a heart operation, bone marrow transplant and other complications.
But the 13-year-old, of Usworth, Washington, has never let it get in the way of her swimming success.
The talented teenager represents her city at regional and national galas and has competed at the National Transplant Games.
Mum Ellen, 47, said: "It brings a lump to your throat to see her and the other kids competing.
"Simone wouldn't be able to compete in mainstream sports, but this gives her the chance to show what she can do."
Simone, a member of the Special Olympics, Sunderland Team, has thrown herself into the sport, which helps to keep her fit in the face of a catalogue of health problems.
Just before her first birthday, Simone was diagnosed with Fanconi anaemia, a genetic disease which can affect all systems of the body.
It meant that, as a baby, she needed a spell in plaster to give her left hip the chance to form properly.
Then, just after her third birthday, Simone had an operation at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital to repair a hole in her heart.
And at eight years old, Simone's little brother Jude, then 18 months old, stepped in to give his sister the gift of bone marrow.
Coupled with this, the St Robert of Newminster pupil, who also has hearing problems, suffers from Moyamoya syndrome, which affects arteries in the brain.
Mum-of-two Ellen, who is married to Damien, 49, said: "With all her different specialisms, she visits the hospital a dozen times a year and will require further surgery on her hips in the next few years.
"But her swimming keeps her fit and healthy and it's something she likes to do."
In recognition of Simone's success she has been nominated for a Young Achiever's Award.
Joanne Fearn, who put forward the nomination, said: "Simone is an amazing young lady who is determined to do what her peers do."
Simone will join other members of Special Olympics, Sunderland Team, at the Young Achiever's Awards ceremony at the Stadium of Light on March 11. The awards recognise the strength and determination of the city's young people.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sunderland
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South
