By Natalie Croxon
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
PEOPLE with heart conditions in the Tamworth region are expected to benefit from the generous fundraising efforts of a family who know all too well the impact these conditions can have.
In October 2008, 14-year-old Alison Watt died unexpectedly in her sleep, having experienced a heart condition from birth.
Her parents Nicole and Brett Watt, supported by her grandparents David and Jan Robertson and Masonicare, have since been raising money to purchase a cardiac ultrasound, or Echo, machine for Tamworth hospital.
Yesterday ((Fri)) they handed over the last cheque of $7186 to Tamworth hospital, bringing their final fundraising tally to $104,395.
The new machine takes images of the heart to identify disease or weakness.
The hospital had had one on loan from John Hunter Hospital, but cardiovascular disease coordinator Jane Kerr said it was important for the health service to continue building its services to match the community's needs.
"It's such a valuable contribution to cardiology from a diagnostic perspective," Ms Kerr said.
Alison was a keen student at Oxley High School - she would have been in Year 12 this year - and a champion golfer.
Her condition didn't hold her back from being an A-Grade player and winning the junior girls Order of Merit for the region three years in a row.
She was also a popular girl, adored by her friends and family.
"She was a girl who loved life and had a way of bringing happiness to everyone," Mrs Watt said.
Mr Watt joked that while Alison used to complain about her parents stopping to talk to everyone on the street when they went downtown together, the tables quickly turned and it was Alison herself who would stop and chat to her many friends.
Her family thanked the community for their support.
"At the end of the day it's a tribute to Alison, but it's also a big tribute to the Tamworth community," Mrs Watt said.