Brave Sarah recovers from second heart swap op

Jun 24 2009 The Journal

MUSICAL theatre lover and double heart transplant patient Sarah Barton got a surprise curtain call at her hospital bed.

The brave 12-year-old is recovering from a second heart swap operation at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

The teenager underwent the life-saving procedure three weeks ago after a donor was found as she lay “just days from death” in hospital.

The stars of the hit Queen tribute show We Will Rock You, Jonathan Wilkes and Sarah French-Ellis, made an unexpected visit to her hospital ward yesterday after hearing the huge theatre fan would miss out on seeing the production at the Sunderland Empire.

So the two performers agreed to bring a little touch of the Ben Elton and Brian May-penned classic to her.

Jonathan, who plays Khashoggi in the show, showered Sarah with musical-themed gifts. He said: “It was a privilege to meet Sarah. She’s had a hell of a fight and she’s come through some tough times. She’s an inspiration.

“If I can put a smile on her face by coming and seeing her then that’s what I had to do, and what I wanted to do.

“What Sarah has been through is too much for any young girl but the way she seems to be coping is incredible. She deserves everything we can do to make her happy.”

Sarah, from East Herrington, in Sunderland, had just days to live after her body rejected the first heart she received in June 2007 following a viral infection.