A FAMILY is hoping to raise £20,000 to create precious memories for a brave eight-year-old girl born with a rare heart condition.

Catarina's critical situation means she urgently needs a heart transplant from another child with the very same problem.

However, these circumstances make Catarina's chance of finding a compatible heart donor vastly difficult.

Catarina's story is inspirational and profoundly moving.

She spent her initial six months of life in hospital, and despite being given merely a five per cent chance of survival at birth, Catarina's spirit is unyielding.

Catarina loves and cherishes life and according to one of her mother's friend Paula Kovacs, she is a "lovable, kind and cheerful girl."

Paula said: "My daughter has a school friend, Catarina, 8 years old.

"She was born with a heart problem. When she was born she was given 5 per cent chance of survival.

"She spent her first 6 months in the hospital. Since she had 4 heart surgeries.

"Despite this her mum and sister are blessed and she cheers them up every day.

"Recently they've spent a few days for observations at the Great Ormond Street Hospital where Catarina's mother was faced with some extremely sad news.

"Catarina's heart is weak, she is asked to use a wheelchair at school too.

"Also this started to affect her other organs too. In order to get a heart transplant she must have it from a child with the same disease which makes it almost impossible as her heart after so many surgeries is uniquely formed for her."

Catarina is surrounded by love; her mother, Rita, and her sister, Eva, along with her school friends and her mum's circle have been relentless in their support, cheerfully making every moment count.

However, time is unfairly short.

With her currently uniquely formed heart, doctors predict a likely five years for Catarina without the heart transplant.

In the face of these challenging circumstances, Catarina's carers are doing everything they can to support her health, while channelling their energy to an inspiring cause – "Make Catarina's dreams come true."

This Just Giving fundraiser which is still 26 days away from its deadline is all about creating as many joyful memories as possible for Catarina, her mother, Rita, and sister, Eva.

The end goal is not merely helping Catarina and her family; it conveys a larger message of unity, compassion, and love.

"Us- her mum's friends, Catarina's friends, are trying to create some funds and help her mum and sister to make memories with her as long as possible," said a fellow parent in the fundraiser's JustGiving page.

The page has raised £2,005 out of its £20,000 goal.

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tatiane-barros?utm_term=B6MBRrVeq to donate.