Brave transplant girl Mica steps out in support of hospital staff, Teesdale Mercury

THE West Auckland schoolgirl who is waiting for a double organ transplant walked hand-in-hand with classmates last week to raise money for a charity close to her heart. 

Mica Newcomb and her friends at Staindrop Business and Enterprise College stepped out onto the school field and added £500 towards a growing amount she is collecting to help the hospital where she has been treated since she was a baby. 

The bubbly 11-year-old was born with a rare kidney condition, which means she will have to undergo surgery as soon as a donor becomes available. 

But undeterred by her own problems, Mica has signed up to do a five-mile walk in Leazes Park in Newcastle in August in aid of the city’s Great North Children’s Hospital.

The one-mile walk at the school was arranged months ago to raise money for the school’s Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme and Cancer Research UK. But both staff and pupils decided they wanted to give a share of the money to Mica’s cause. 

Susan Sewell, the special needs co-ordinator at the school, said: “The children organised the walk and about 500 of them took part.

“Mica’s so popular with her classmates they just wanted to give some of the money to the amount she is raising for her walk for the children’s hospital.”

In total, more than £3,000 was raised by the walk – and £500 of that was handed over to Mica. 

Mica said: “I was tired when I finished the walk, I fell asleep as soon as I got home. 

“I think it’s really good that we got £500 from the walk. It’s quite a lot and I think the hospital will be very pleased.”

Mica decided to do the forthcoming walk in August to say thank you to the staff who have cared for her. 

Mum Tracy also hopes her daughter’s brave efforts will raise awareness about the need for more donors. 

It could take anything up to 18 months for a suitable donor to become available.

To sponsor Mica on her walk in August, call 01388 600109 or email t.newcomb033@talktalk.net