Hundreds of children put on their dancing shoes to showcase their talents and raise funds in honour of a young heart patient.

Isobel Rhodes, from Holgate, was among the 250 children from the Katie Ventress School of Dance who performed in a weekend of shows after months of rehearsals.

The seven-year-old Acomb Primary pupil recently returned to classes after recovering from her third open heart surgery operation.

Katie Ventress, principal, said proceeds from a raffle and the shows, involving two to 19-year-olds, have been donated to Little Hearts Matter and the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, which have supported Isobel’s family. 

“We raised more than £1,600,” she said. “We were inspired by Isobel. I have been teaching her dance for two-and-a-half years.”

She said the amount raised was wonderful. “I feel very happy and proud of the students, and parents as well. It is all their efforts that make it possible.” 

Isobel’s dad Paul Rhodes praised Katie for her support, and said the amount raised was “humbling”.

He said serious heart abnormalities had been detected during his wife Nancy’s 20-week pregnancy scan, marking the start of an emotional rollercoaster ride. Isobel was born naturally at York Hospital, and then rushed to Leeds General Infirmary.

“Isobel was born with half a working heart,” said Paul, describing the rare condition as one “that can’t be fixed entirely but it can be improved”. 

“The consultant said if Isobel was a car she would be going down the motorway in third gear.”

Paul, a director of research at Skyblue, said: “She had her first surgery at two months old, when she was tiny and frail. It was very overwhelming.

"Then she had surgery again when she was two, and then her third operation in July last year. She was in theatre for 10 hours. They are the longest 10 hours of any parents’ life but the team was wonderful. She was then in hospital for 40 days and 40 nights.” 

Surgery went well, and Paul said people who knew Isobel described her as “a different girl”.

"She is happy because she has more energy. She is able to keep up with her friends. She loves to dance and is able to do that rather than have to sit down and rest.” 

Paul said Little Hearts had been a lifeline and has continued to support the couple, who also have a son, Elliot, two.

“They help you deal with what you are going through, and how to help little children make the best of what they have. 

“You need the human stories when you are grappling with all the medical facts. You need that hope, and to know others have gone down this road before you. Little Hearts bring you back to real people.

“Isobel will always have a cardiologist in her life,” said Paul. “They will always keep a close eye on her, and she may need more fixing later on. But she is a forcible character which is great.”