Published: Thursday, 4th September, 2008 8:30am

Viagra girl is a big inspiration

A MUSSELBURGH schoolgirl whose rare, life-threatening illness is controlled by sex drug Viagra, has inspired family and friends to undertake a charity challenge this weekend.

Seven-year-old Natalie Archibald suffers from Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, which causes high blood pressure and strain on the heart and lungs.

Viagra improves the blood flow to her lungs.

Her bravery, since falling ill 18 months ago, has prompted more than 40 people to sign up for a 15-mile sponsored walk on Sunday.

All proceeds will be donated to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where Natalie undergoes a procedure every year.

Discussing Natalie"s unusual treatment of Viagra, part of a cocktail of drugs taken four times a day, mum Janis, 46, told the Courier: 'I know what it"s associated with but if that"s going to help my wee girl then it doesn"t matter one bit.

'Anyway, there"s more to her treatment than just taking Viagra!'

Janis admitted it was an uphill struggle to convince doctors that Natalie"s health was at risk.

Despite exhibiting a number of troubling symptoms, including loss of consciousness and turning blue, they frequently dismissed Natalie"s problems as 'over-excitement', she said.

She explained: 'When your child is passing out without warning and her lips are turning blue, you know there"s something seriously wrong.'

After months of unsuccessful tests at the Sick Kids Hospital in Edinburgh, frustrated Janis took drastic action, that proved to be a vital turning point for the family, of Pinkie Hill Crescent.

'I wrote an absolutely stinking letter demanding a second opinion,' she explained.

'Then I got a call that her case was to be completely reviewed and another doctor was brought in to examine her.'

Since being diagnosed, Natalie has dramatically improved.

'She"s just like any other wee girl her age, she goes out to play, rides her bike and has a great time,' said Janis.

Natalie"s gran Helen Archibald - who has raised more than £1,000 since May - organised Sunday"s sponsored walk, from The Horseshoe Tavern, Musselburgh to The Longniddry Inn and back.

Natalie, who attends Loretto Primary School, will join the walkers, including dad Stuart, 43, and older brother Ryan, 10.

To sponsor the family, contact Janis on 0131 6658173 or email archijan@aol.com.