00:01:34
ITN
Neville's 'miracle' inspires appeal
Neville's 'miracle' inspires appeal
Footballer Phil Neville is launching a £20m charity appeal after his daughter defied the odds to become a "walking miracle".Born ten weeks premature, and weighing just 3lbs 3oz, little Isabella was given just 24 hours to live.She proved doctors wrong but only went home after weeks of separation from her parents while she was being cared for in hospital.Isabella was then diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months. Phil and his wife Julie were told she would never be able to walk, but Isabella again defied the odds.Now, inspired by their daughter's resilience, the Nevilles are raising £20m for a parent's unit at the new Manchester children's hospital.Mrs Neville said: "I was heartbroken leaving Isabella every single night. I had her picture beside my bed."The England star added: We didn't believe she was our child until we took her home after ten weeks"So if there was a facility to stay we would have done. She would have had a better start in life."© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
ITN | October 25, 2007
