A SPONSORED walk will take place next month in memory of a 20-month-old girl who died from heart disease.

Claire Cook contracted dilated cardio-myopathy in January 2000 and died six months later. She had been fitted with an artificial heart while waiting for a heart operation.

A suitable heart was found and successfully transplanted, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Claire died.

Claire's mother and father, Mandy and Andrew, of Canvas Farm, Knayton, North Yorkshire, set up Mandet (Midwifery and Diabetes Educational Trust) after she was born.

The work of Mandet, including an annual sponsored walk, is now seen as a memorial to Claire's short life.

Mandy, whose diabetes caused problems during pregnancy, said: "It has been decided the proceeds from our annual sponsored walk will be shared between Mandet and Chuf (Children's Heart Unit Fund) which provided the majority of the £10,000 needed for Claire's operation"

Anyone who wishes to join the walk or sponsor someone else should ring (01845) 537349.