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Ski holiday for brave kidney transplant girl

30/12/2004

LITTLE Delise Cassarino will be taking to the slopes in the new year for an action-packed skiing holiday.

It is an amazing turnaround for the nine-year-old from Whalley Range as two years ago she needed daily kidney dialysis to survive and was constantly lethargic.

Delise, of Alness Road, Whalley Range, had a rare form of cancer and needed a kidney transplant to improve her quality of life.

Her mother Romina donated her daughter a kidney and since the operation Delise has gone from strength to strength and is able to play and run just like other children her own age.

To reward her bravery Delise has now been invited on an skiing trip to Switzerland by Tackers, an international charity which takes children on holiday who have had transplants.

Romina, 34, said: "The holiday will be fantastic, not just for Delise, but it will be amazing to see how much the other children have improved.

"Children from around the world are invited on the trip and Delise will be representing Italy, as her dad is Italian. Her health is fantastic at the moment and she just keeps on improving. She's getting stronger and stronger.

"Delise is really excited about the holiday and can't wait to go."

Every year Tackers take more than 100 transplant children skiing so they can share their experiences and develop their independence by trying new sports. Activities include skiing, snow boarding and dog sleighing.

Proud Romina says Delise is now starting to grow up and enjoying a busy social life.

She enjoys spending time with her friends, playing at their houses and having sleepovers, something she would have found difficult to do before her transplant.

After all the excitement of Christmas Delise is now looking forward to her tenth birthday in January.

If you would like to register as an organ donor call: 0845 60 60 400. Alternatively if you have a Boots Advantage Card you can automatically register yourself as a donor.