Brave Sunderland heart girl raises thousands of pounds to help other youngsters in the last months of her life

The family of a little girl who has been given just months to live as she battles a heart condition have set up a fundraising drive in her name.
Jasmine Purvis, of Canon Cockin Stret, Sunderland, with mum Jamie and sisters Jessie (5) and Jodie (8)Jasmine Purvis, of Canon Cockin Stret, Sunderland, with mum Jamie and sisters Jessie (5) and Jodie (8)
Jasmine Purvis, of Canon Cockin Stret, Sunderland, with mum Jamie and sisters Jessie (5) and Jodie (8)

Little fighter Jasmine Purvis, two, was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect known as a pulmonary hypertension, meaning the right side of the organ stopped working, affecting her lungs and kidneys.

The youngster from Canon Cockin Street, Sunderland, underwent major heart surgery at just five months old but a year later, in November 2015 she became poorly and was transported to London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, where she was diagnosed with the condition.

Jasmine Purvis pictured with mum Jamie and granddad Colin HopeJasmine Purvis pictured with mum Jamie and granddad Colin Hope
Jasmine Purvis pictured with mum Jamie and granddad Colin Hope
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Then, just five months ago, her mum Jamie Harvey and dad Chris Purvis - who are also parents to Jessie Robins five and Jodie Robins eight - were given the devastating news that doctors at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital couldn’t do anything more for little Jasmine.

Grandad Colin Hope, 36, a support worker also from Canon Cockin Street, said: “Five months ago Jasmine became poorly again and was taken to hospital but after a couple of days there doctors told us that there was nothing else they could do for Jasmine.

“Jasmine has always managed to prove them wrong up until now, but we are prepared for the worst.

“Now during her last few months she has said she wants to raise funds for the Children’s Heart Unit (CHUF) at the Freeman Hospital under the name ‘Jasmine’s Hearts’ as they have cared for her in the past.”

Jasmine PurvisJasmine Purvis
Jasmine Purvis
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Members of the local community have also rallied around and raised funds to send Jasmine away to Haggerston Castle, in Northumberland, with her family, who wanted to repay their kindness by helping other families who have children with a heart condition.

So far, they have raised £3,030 for the CHUF and hope that others will donate directly to the unit by mentioning the name ‘Jasmine’s Hearts.’

Colin added: “One of Jasmine’s wishes is to meet the Sunderland AFC players as she loves Sunderland and when she wears her Sunderland strip she always kisses the badge, so it would be wonderful if anyone was able to help her to do that, she would be over the moon.”

To donate to the CHUF visit: https://www.justgiving.com/chuf/donate