FOR many young children being able to play out in the garden is something they take for granted.

However, for five-year-old Izzy Platt this is something she has not been able to do due to her complex health needs.

Izzy has Down Syndrome, and has a long complex medical history including a rare heart and lung disease, for which a cure has not yet been found.

She also has chronic hayfever meaning she could not go out in her back garden as the conifers would seriously affect her breathing.

However, a community of pub regulars and staff from the Talbot and Royal Alfred have rallied to help Izzy have a place to play out.

Using a network including Blackbrook Rugby Club, Saints in the Community, the SPF, Fascia Medics and Woodland Tree Services a much needed garden space has been opened for Izzy.

The conifers in the garden have been cut down and Lansbury Bridge pupil Izzy has a sandpit and a place to play.

"It means a lot," said mum Gaynor, 44, who works at the Talbot pub.

"She is immunocompromised and it put her out of action for quite a while and has chronic hayfever.

"The conifers were causing more of a hindrance and while we're shielding, she couldn't get out in her back garden.

"Gary Wright and Shaun have been there from the very start of our Down's Syndrome journey and Izzy's health issues and battles, they're not just people in a pub, management, friends they are like family.

"We really can't thank them enough."

"Until a cure is found for pulmonary hypertension (rare heart and lung disease), then Izzy battles on, but she has an amazing support network around her.

"Izzy is a very happy, smiley little girl. She's our warrior girl who gives it all she has got in her to fight and try to overcome when her respiratory health plays up,

"She's been through a lot and still faces a lot, from a planned operation to remove a hernia near her lung, new gromits in her ears as she has low hearing loss, to a new PDA device fitted in a few years to replace her first one, lots of hurdles to face to benefit her health for the better.

"For as long as we have her, her health will always come first."

Gaynor describes Izzy as "a warrior diva" and social butterfly, who "loves dancing, music, playing with her toys, drawing, colouring, watching her favourite movies, TV, fairies, unicorns" and tries to live her life despite a lot of hospital appointments being involved.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to those from the pubs who have helped Izzy's life, which has included fundraising for her to take a trip last year to Great Ormond Street for vital tests.

"It's lovely that they all can get some recognition for the things they have done to benefit Izzy's health for the better, but even more so as this can raise more awareness not just for finding a cure for PH, but raising more acceptance and inclusion for Down Syndrome too.

"Izzy sends love and thanks to them all.

"Thanks to Gary Wright, Shaun Burrows, Gerry and Alison Brady, Cath Feeney, Marg Norten, Derrick Jones, Eddie and Margaret Downes, Mark Memory, Karl and Heather Nolan and, Les Orr."