Kindhearted family of Seaham schoolgirl raises money to buy Christmas presents for children on the hospital ward she spends time on

Chanel Murrish, five, from Seaham, was diagnosed with half a working heart while still in the womb, with her condition made even more risky by a further complication.

The Seaview Primary pupil has undergone a series of major surgeries, her first at just moments old, with doctors saying she will need a heart transplant in time.

She and her family spend every minute they can showing their support for the unit which has kept her alive and helping the others who call on its expertise.

Each year, they have presented gifts to those staying in the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, touring the ward on Christmas Eve to present them to patients and their families, with this year to see Make My Day mascots join them.

This year, a cash collection has been set up, with items being welcomed as the Murrishes appeal for people to back their appeal.

The Crows Nest, on East Shore Village in her home town, is also hosting a night of entertainment on Saturday, December 14.

Her mum Fay, 30, who also has sons Chase, nine, and Cole, seven, with husband Micheal, 33, said: “I think we know how hard it is in hospital and when someone visits, it breaks up the day, and it’s very emotional at Christmas.

“Some times families are separated and families from all over the country use it, so they can also be quite a way from home.

“Every year we fundraise, but this year we’re struggling for donations, so I went around and put more buckets out in bars and other places.

“The Crows Nest phoned me up and asked if they could help get more funds in and they offered to put on a charity night, which was really good of them, and it’ll be a night for people to have fun in the run up to Christmas.”

The event will feature a raffle and auction, magician Alex Jobson and live band Call Of The Wild.

To find out more visit Chanel’s page, www.facebook.com/ChanelMurrish/