A SCHOOLGIRL who will undergo a double organ transplant is stepping out to raise cash for a North-East hospital.

Mica Newcomb has pledged to complete a fivemile sponsored walk for Newcastle’s Great North Children’s Hospital on Sunday, August 1, in the city’s Leazes Park.

Doctors at the renal unit have cared for the 11-year-old since she was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease as a baby.

Mica, of St Helen Auckland, County Durham, says she can’t wait to give something back, despite her condition making her prone to headaches and tiredness.

Her mother, Tracey Newcomb, said: “She has achieved so much considering what she has to put up with.

“She has her blood taken monthly, sometimes weekly, and has been through a lot.

“We’re so proud of her.”

Mica’s condition enlarges her liver, kidneys and spleen, so that she cannot always join in sports with fellow pupils at Staindrop Comprehensive School.

“We don’t know any different,”

said Mrs Newcomb.

“It is a rare condition and it is life-threatening. She has always been on medication.”

The family will have to be ready 24-hours-a-day for Mica’s liver and kidney transplant after they register at Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Tuesday.

When asked if she is nervous about such a big operation, Mica said: “I’m a bit scared, but I’ll be happy after it has been done.”

The young performer is hoping the call doesn’t come when she takes to the stage in October as the lead in the musical Annie at Shildon Civic Theatre.

Her mother hopes her daughter’s bravery encourages people to register as donors.

She is backing calls for a national opt-out system.

“Unless it happens to you, you don’t understand it,” she said.

“You just think something like this will never happen to me but it does.

“At the end of the day, we don’t know what the outcome will be, and people need to think that could be a member of their family.

“Those who need a transplant are in the minority, so we don’t have the loudest voice, but more people need to get on board so we can change things.”

To sponsor Mica, call 01388- 600109 or email t.newcomb033@talktalk.net