A NORTH-EAST girl who made medical history is urging people to make her 21st birthday a fundraising bonanza for transplant charities.

Kaylee Davidson, from Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, made the headlines two decades ago when she become the first child in the UK to have a successful heart transplant.

With her birthday coming up next month, Kaylee is hosting a party at Newcastle's Centre for Life.

Dubbed the Northern Transplant Charity Ball, it will be held on Saturday, April 26.

As well as helping Kaylee and her family celebrate her official coming of age, she wants people and businesses in the region to support the work of Transplant Sport UK by buying a ticket to the event.

"Tickets cost £45, and anyone who wants to join the party and help raise money for transplant patients will be very welcome,"

said Carol Olley, Kaylee's mother and an organiser with Transplant Sport UK.

Tables for companies or other organisations are still available at a cost of £450.

Apart from enjoying the unique atmosphere, those attending will enjoy a champagne reception, a turn on the Crazy Motion ride, a three-course dinner and dancing to a band.

"It would be great to see as many people as possible, groups of friends would be very welcome,"

said Mrs Olley.

The ball will be hosted by former Coronation Street soap star Angela Lonsdale, who is currently acting in the daytime TV drama Doctors.

For years, Kaylee and her mother have been involved in supporting transplant charities.

Kaylee was also the first small child to ever take part in the British Transplant Games.

Mrs Olley is an organiser with Transplant Sport UK and helps to run games for transplant patients in Britain and throughout the world.

Funds from the April 26 event will also go to the charity Heart Research UK and the Transplant Support Network, an organisation which works with the families of patients waiting for transplants.

"We have a busy year of events coming up and desperately need funding," said Mrs Olley.

Events include the British Transplant Games, in Sheffield, and the World Transplant Games in Australia plus other events organised for children and their families through the Transplant Active project.

Tickets can be obtained by contacting carol.olley@trans plantsport.org.uk