Danielle Sales marks 10/10/10 birthday with baby unit boost

A Monifieth schoolgirl will celebrate her birthday in perfect style tomorrow when she turns 10 on the 10th day of the 10th month of the 10th year.

However, it is not just the four 10s that makes Danielle Sales so special, as the youngster was born 15 weeks early and barely survived.

Now, a decade on, she has turned to raising money for the Ninewells Hospital department that kept her alive.

“Danielle was born at 25 weeks and was just one and a half pounds,” said mum Michelle from the family home.

“She had to spend 17 weeks in the special care baby unit at Ninewells and had to be transferred to Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow for a heart operation.”

Although Danielle, who attends Carlogie Primary School in Carnoustie, suffers from mild cerebral palsy, she was determined to raise money to help other children born in similar circumstances in Dundee.

She helped organised a party and barbecue that have raised £700 for the hospital and he will visit Ninewells on Tuesday afternoon to hand over the cheque.

“Danielle does really well but she does get tired very easily,” said Michelle. “But she really wanted to do something for the unit.”