AN 11-YEAR-OLD with a hole in her heart raised over £1000 to help stop other children dying from conditions like hers.

Rae-Lei Prince’s parents got her “petrifying” diagnosis after she went to the doctors with a cold aged just three.

Although she is happy and healthy, the Avon House Preparatory School pupil has to have regular check-ups and could fall seriously ill at any moment.

In 2015 her father David, of Calderon Road, Leytonstone, had just picked her up from school in Woodford Green when she spotted a fundraising advert for a charity called Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

The crowdfunding call was in memory of Isabelle Tudisca who died aged 14 after collapsing at her friend’s house in Chingford in July that year.

Spotting the link between Isabelle and her conditions, Rae-Lei decided to organise her own fundraiser for CRY.

Two years later on July 2, her fundraising dream became a reality when 14 of her friends joined her for a sponsored bike ride at Redbridge Cycling Centre in Hainault.

The 15 youngsters cycled over 160 miles between them, raising £1,600 for CRY.

Mr Prince, 53, said: “The kids just kept going and going – we thought they’d get tired but they didn’t stop.

“I am so proud of Rae-Lei. Her mother and I looked at each other afterwards and thought ‘this is amazing, our little girl has done all this.’

“I thought she might raise £400 or £500, but not this much.”

The 11-year-old’s fundraising total will be added to Isabelle Tudisca’s memorial fund, which the Princes are hoping will reach £3,500.

Her mother Della, of Buckhurst Hill, came to show her support and told everyone how moved she was by Rae-Lei’s efforts.

Mr Prince added: “Della said a few words about Issy and everyone was really touched.

“She’s been talking to Rae-Lei on the phone – it’s been very emotional for her as it’ll soon be two years since her daughter died.”

The Princes want to be able to offer 20 children the chance to be tested for conditions like Rae-Lei’s, but eventually hope there will be enough money for all 11 and 12-year-olds to get regular heart check-ups.

Her father said: “These check-ups could save children’s lives – it’s as simple as that.

“Rae-Lei is one of the lucky ones.

“We found out about her condition early on so she’s regularly monitored.

“But most people who have this ticking time bomb won’t even know about it. So we want to make sure they do and are treated before it’s too late.”

Rae-Lei is off to Great Ormond Street Hospital in central London for another important heart scan this week (July 11) to see if she needs surgery to keep her condition under control.

To find out more about CRY, see the website.