Heart transplant girl lives firefighter dream

A four-year-old girl who had a heart transplant last year has fulfilled her dream of becoming a firefighter.

Beatrix Adamson-Archbold, from Burnopfield, in County Durham, had her transplant in June 2023 after being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition which meant she had an enlarged heart.

She had previously spent 14 months in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle while she waited for her new heart.

Following her recovery, Beatrix spent the day with Durham firefighting crews, driving around on the fire engines, squirting hoses and even going up into the sky on the aerial ladder platform.

Beatrix returned home a month after receiving her new heart and was "now thriving", her family said.

The youngster's visit to Durham Red Watch, part of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS), was a "really special day", her dad Terry Adamson-Archbold said.

"The crew made a right fuss of her; they were absolutely brilliant," he said.

"She even went up on the aerial ladder platform and wasn’t fazed at all, she was just waving down at the crew."

The visit was part of Organ Donation Week.

Crew manager Mark Bryden said: "After hearing Beatrix’s story and her love of the fire service, we wanted to invite her down to the station and give her the chance to experience being a firefighter for the day.

"She has shown immense courage during her health battle and her story highlights the live-saving impact organ donation can have."

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