Some sad news from BB1

[Brekkie]

Just read in our local paper tonight that Joanne Harris, the downs syndrome girl who Craig donated his winnings too back in BB1 to help fund a heart and lung transplant, has died aged 25 after picking up an infection last month.


http://www.shropshirestar.com/2008/04/15/stars-friend-jo-dies-at-25/


Certainly a memorable moment from the BB1 final when he gave her his winnings. I knew of his intended cause due to coverage in local press, but I don't think it had been picked up by the national press at the time - so the first many people knew of his plans was after he won. C4 subsequently matched the £70,000 jackpot with their own £70,000 donation too.

[Jack]

Oh, that's so sad. :sad:

[MrGaryy]

I feel sorry for her family and craig.

[BigSister]

aww no thats so sad

[Harry!]

Poor girl.

[Brekkie]

The final minute of this video shows when Craig told Joanne the money was for her:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N3woi-3sZA

[Simple_Plan]

aww bless :sad:

[Ruth*Star]

Aww, thats so sad,.

[Mrluvaluva]

That is sad news.

[GiRTh]

Thats terrible.

[*mazedsalv**]

Thats really sad news.

[Captain.Remy]

This is very sad because Craig did something amazing by giving all the prize fund.

[KKBL]

awww how sad.RIP

[Arneldo]

This is awful sad news :(

[Xander]

Im sad to hear that, thoughts are with craig and the girls family. :sad:

[Sticks]

I remember watching that live and being incensed, especially as I have a niece with downs.

She will be missed.

[serensilver]

:sad:oh thats sad news! :sad:

[Loukas]

:sad:

R.I.P

[Conzors]

Aww..
Comiserations Craig And All The People Who Supported Her.

[MarkWaldorf]

That's horrible. :sad: I hope her family are OK.

[Red Moon]

That is sad news.

I'm sure without the money he donated she would have left this world sooner, but will be of little consolation to her family and friends.

[Sticks]

It made the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/shropshire/7349428.stm)

:sad:


Incidentally she never was able to have the operation

[Loukas]

Craig Phillips's BB winnings donee dies

The girl to whom Craig Phillips donated his Big Brother prize money has died.

Joanne Harris, 25, passed away in hospital on Sunday after contracting an infection.

Phillips entered the first series of the show in 2000 to raise cash for Harris, his best friend's niece, who had Down's syndrome.

He put his £70,000 prize money towards paying for her to undergo a heart and lung transplant in the US.

Her mum Marion told the Shropshire Star: "She brought so much joy to so many people and did so much to show that people with disabilities can lead very full lives."

At Christmas 2000, Harris appeared in the video for Phillips's charity single 'At This Time of Year', which raised more than £40,000 for the Down's Syndrome Association.

Phillips, a self-employed builder before entering the house, went on to open a construction training centre and has presented more than 700 DIY-related shows for various channels.


Digital Spy

[andybigbro]

awww This is awful sad news:sad:

[GiGi]

this is terrible. my thoughts are with her.

[Princess]

That's really sad. :sad:

R.I.P.

[Lianatoot]

Awww poor girl, thats awful.

[CallumJoshuaSturt]

OMG I REMBER HER :conf2:

[monkeymadness]

wow i never new she died

[SamR]

I knew this about 3 months ago

[katie_x]

well at least thx to craig she had a bit of a happier life so thats something

[x_mel_x]

My sister has Down Syndrome and dont know if I could cope if that happened to her. RIP Joanna.

[Lauren]

Terrible news :sad:

God only takes the best.

[Jackie]

My heart goes out to her parents at this sad time.

[LeonM]

Aww poor Joanne RIP :(