Why little Isabell has had 1,200 birthday cards from around the world
Little Isabell Salat looks set to have a birthday to remember — now she's got more than 1,200 cards to open.
The brave Walsall girl has received post from well-wishers from all over the world after a campaign was launched to make her day extra special.
The four-year-old, who turns five on June 30, has coronary heart disease.
Her mother Kimberley Tipper has asked people from all over to send a birthday card in the post.
So far, after around three weeks, a total of 1,245 cards and counting as well as a host of presents have been generously sent to the youngster.
Isabell had her first open heart surgery at six months and at some stage she will need a pulmonary artery transplant.
Her mother, Kimberley, said she was delighted with the response — but of course, Isabell isn't allowed to see the cards until the big day.
The 26-year-old said: "We didn't think we'd get this much sent through at all, we are completely overwhelmed with the response.
"My mum is getting about 15 a day and we've been receiving up to 150 - every morning we get a package. It's crazy.
"Isabell is going to absolutely love it. I've shown her some photos of the amount we've had but she hasn't seen it in person.
"She said to me 'Wow! Are they all for me mummy, I have hundreds."
The campaign was launched on May 1 with the help of a Facebook page called 'Princess Isabell Heart Warrior'.
The page has been used to document Isabell's journey.
Kimberley added: "I've got no idea how many we're going toget but we have 1,245 after the most recent count. We thought we'd only get a couple of hundred so we've been blown away.
"There has been quite a lot of presents come through as well — she's got teddy bears and even a group of 15 people have chipped in to get her a Wendy house. Its amazing I can't believe that people are so kind and generous.
"I really am looking forward to the big day. She's going to be so happy when she sees everything. It shouldn't be a problem opening everything with her sisters and brothers around."
In the past people from as far as America and France have sent her cards.
To send a birthday card, post it to Isabell Salat, 2 Howes Croft, Castle Vale, Birmingham, B35 7EL. The family have chosen not to use their home address.
