Brave Joann hits heights for Yorkhill

Brave Joann Harvey could not have set her sights any higher when she attempted a climb to help raise funds for Yorkhill Hospital For Sick Children.

The seven-year-old, from Pollok, Glasgow, knew no fear when she scaled the 30ft wall at Xscape Braehead’s Climbzone.

Joann has been in and out of hospital since she was born and has undergone more than 10 operations to help her walk properly.

The youngster, who has a twin Cathrine, suffered dislocation of the hips as a baby and was also diagnosed with a breakdown of her muscles and nervous system. She was born with twisted legs that were wrapped over one another and would not come apart. She was put in intensive care and now has to wear callipers to walk. The St Marnock’s Primary pupil also has the use of crutches, a wheelchair or Zimmer when she needs them. She is waiting for a date for another major operation that will last about five hours. A brace will be fitted to her left leg in an attempt to straighten her legs and eventually allow her to walk more easily. Doctors have explained to Joann what she will undergo and that when she wakes up she will have a cage over her legs. Despite having to endure so many operations, Joann has developed into a bubbly youngster who enjoys spending time with mum Christine, 47, and Cathrine. Although Cathrine did not join Joann on the climb, she also helped raise money by organising a Hallowe’en party at the weekend at Langton Road Activity Hall, Langton Road. Christine said: “Because Joann has been in and out of hospital she is often in plaster. When she gets the next one it will restrict what she can do to a certain extent for a few months. “But she has a lovely nature and is always on the go. “She told me she wanted to raise money for Yorkhill and give something back to the hospital and staff for all they have done for her. “For a seven-year-old to think like that is very moving. “Joann said she wanted to do a climb and we could not think of a better time because it will help her raise money.” Christine and Cathrine cheered Joann on when she took on her heady challenge and the girls’ efforts raised more than £600 for Yorkhill. Christine said: “We can’t thank people enough for their generosity. I am so proud of the girls.” The close family also regularly enjoy horse riding and swimming and Christine added: “Every time she has had an operation, Joann has been very positive. She has listened to everything the doctors told her. “This operation could not be done before and she is still young to undergo it. “But we hope it will put her foot into the position it should be. It will mean she will have to wear a brace for 10 months. Eventually, doctors will carry out the same operation on the right leg. “We are at the beginning of a hard time, but as a family we pull together.”

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