Making a difference to the lives of young patients is Harpenden schoolgirl Eva Higgins, who has helped raise thousands of pounds for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) after receiving treatment there.

The Manland Primary School pupil has recently presented a cheque for an impressive £4,125 after participating in several fundraising events.

Last year the nine-year-old was rushed to A&E with her heart pounding at a scary 240 beats per minute.

It was while awaiting surgery at GOSH to correct a heart condition in Easter this year that Eva declared to her parents that she was determined to raise money for the hospital.

Thousands of pounds have since been raised at a variety of events, including a sponsored fun run/walk in Battersea Park, a clothes and Pimms evening, and collections at school.

Her mum, Sam, said: “Eva has had such fantastic support from all her family and friends, Manland primary, local businesses and families from Harpenden in her quest.

“Eva, and [her dad] Darren and I would like to say an enormous heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped make the amount raised possible.”