‘Hero’ striker with half a heart
A SCHOOLGIRL has become a striking sensation on the football pitch – despite only having half a working heart.
Dubbed a “true hero” by her manager, Hope Walton has overcome her chronic condition to bag “thousands of goals”.
The nine-year-old was born with a complex condition where her heart was twisted and failed to work properly due to two large holes. She endured her first open heart surgery at just three months old and had two subsequent operations at the ages of two and three.
Yet despite needing a daily concoction of medication the star striker is determined to live life to the full. And top of her priorities is knocking the goals in for the Felling Magpies girls’ team.
Hope, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, who wears the number 6 shirt, said: “I’ve always loved playing football.
“When I was five I played with the boys for the Felling Magpies under-7s.
Inspiration
“Then when I was seven I chose to go with the girls’ team. I now play for the under-10s and I’m their striker. I’ve scored thousands of goals.”
Proud mother Debbie, 36, who has another daughter Shanae, five, explained: “When she was born we knew she needed operations so we called her Hope.
“Eventually she will need a transplant but we don’t know when.
“It’s never stopped her, she’s football mad – she just wants to meet the Newcastle players.
“She’s an inspiration, she doesn’t let anything bother her, she’s always so happy.
“Hope is always kicking a football around. She’s so energetic when she’s on the pitch, no one would ever know what is going on inside.
“She is so sociable and hospital is a walk in the park. I’m very proud of her.”
Trevor Morl, head of girls football at Felling Magpies, said: “Hope has been an inspiration to us all and she is a great ambassador for the club.
“She is never frightened to take on a challenge and always gives her all. A true hero.”