On April 27th 2010, our daughter Ruby Lambert went to school as usual. No one knew that Ruby had an extremely rare heart rhythm disorder, which later that day caused her to collapse with massive heart failure. Ruby stopped breathing and spent up to 40 minutes without oxygen, but was saved by the superhuman effort of school first-aider Melanie Scott. Paramedics and doctors had to use a defibrillator to restart Ruby's heart. She spent 10 days on a ventilator at Great Ormond Street Hospital and has fought back against the very bleakest prognosis. Although Ruby survived, she sustained a life-changing brain injury and is currently working hard to relearn all the skills she once took for granted. Ruby lost her ability to speak, eat, walk and smile. Gradually she has been able to show us that she is still the same little girl who is fighting her way back to us.

Where is Ruby now?

With the help of friends all over the world, Ruby moved to the US in April 2011. Her healthcare is managed by the famous Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Since November Ruby has been participating in a full-time tailor-made rehab programme at HMS School, which has an international reputation for personalised, technology-led therapy in a supportive educational setting.

Can you help us?

Ruby's ongoing treatment and rehabilitation is very expensive. Through our world-wide fund raising we have already raised over £100,000! But we need to reach our target of £300,000 to best support Ruby's anticipated needs here in the US and once we return to the UK later this year. Will you help us meet our target?

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