Shelley McBrien with Anna Cocozza -- and that cheque

A MAMMOTH fund-raising effort came to an end with one last cheque presentation at the BEN offices.

Shelley McBrien and her mother, Flo, have spearheaded the campaign throughout Bolton to pay for Joanne Harris to obtain the heart and lung transplant she desperately needs.

For more than four years, the pair have led fund-raising in Bolton to help Joanne who, because she has Downs Syndrome, had been refused a place on the NHS waiting list in this country to have the operation.

As a result of the NHS stance, Joanne has had to find £250,000, the cost of travelling to America for the operation.

However, Joanne's plight was placed under the national spotlight when Big Brother winner Craig Phillips donated his £70,000 prize money to the 18-year-old's cause.

Since then, the money has rolled in and the target has been reached. And in the latest development, the NHS even reversed its decision.

Shelley, who also has Downs Syndrome, is a friend of Joanne's. She received the final cheque for more than £358 on her behalf. That amount was raised by Lee Cocozza who had his head shaved in a sponsored event. His mother, Anna, handed over the cheque. Mrs McBrien said: "It is now not certain whether Jo will be able to have her operation here or in America but either way the money will go to a good cause.

"This is the final cheque that is needed for Jo's appeal but we will carry on raising cash for the Downs Syndrome Society.

"I would like to thank everyone in Farnworth and Bolton for all their help."