There’s a big smile on 10-year-old Rachel Hooley’s face as she recalls the day when she was named Inspirational Child of the Year at the WellChild Awards 2014 in London. “I danced with Pixie Lott on stage and got a high-five from Prince Harry. It was pretty awesome.”
It’s also a day that Rachel’s mum, Eve, will never forget, as just over two-and-a-half years earlier, her daughter had been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy – a condition that left Rachel dependent on a life-support machine.
“Our world fell apart,” says Eve, remembering the moment she and husband Michael were told by doctors that Rachel needed a new heart and would not survive without a transplant.
With her life hanging in the balance, Rachel spent 10 days at the top of the European organ recipient list before, luckily, a heart was found.
“When I was told a heart had become available, I went through so many emotions,” says Eve. “I started to cry, not for Rachel, but for her donor and donor family, because I knew the hard decision they’d had to make while going through their saddest time. But that decision, and their most precious gift, saved my child’s life.”
It’s a gift that Rachel is thankful for every day. Despite on-going medication and monthly hospital visits, she grasps life with both hands, competing in three British Transplant Games and last year’s World Winter Transplant Games, where she became the first British competitor to win the Nicholas Cup, recognising her perseverance in overcoming her personal challenges.
Since her transplant, Rachel has also made it her mission to raise funds and awareness of organ donation through her Hearts That Matter organisation, which she started with her sister, Kate. Selling their beautiful homemade bracelets and handbag charms, the sisters have raised more than £3,000 for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, where Rachel had her operation.
Rachel is also inspiring young people around the globe through GapKids ED, the new children’s collection for GapKids by Ellen DeGeneres, which celebrates girls, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and achieve the extraordinary.
“I want to make my donor and donor family proud, by showing others how amazing organ donation is,” says Rachel. “One life can save so many others.”
With her commitment and determination to make a difference, Rachel’s making sure that her life is one that’s lived to the full.
GapKids’ latest campaign GIRL with Ellen DeGeneres features modern girls who are reaching their dreams and igniting change. Gap’s campaign is not encouraging them to be more like boys, but rather to be exactly who they are.
Girl empowerment begins with us all.
Introducing GapKids ED
For doers, dancers and dreamers, bikers, boarders and builders – the GapKids ED collection is empowering girls everywhere. A collaboration with Ellen DeGeneres’ new lifestyle brand, ED – available at Gap stores and online at gap.co.uk/ed
