A COUPLE living in America have been kept up to date with news of their great niece in Ipswich - thanks to The Evening Star's website.Ray and Wendy Guimont, of Minnesota, were delighted with the on-line articles written about courageous Emily Gentry, who earned this year's joint title of Evening Star Kid in a Million.

A COUPLE living in America have been kept up to date with news of their great niece in Ipswich - thanks to The Evening Star's website.

Ray and Wendy Guimont, of Minnesota, were delighted with the on-line articles written about courageous Emily Gentry, who earned this year's joint title of Evening Star Kid in a Million.

"Your on-line articles have helped to keep us up to date with Emily's illness," wrote Wendy in an e-mail to the paper.

We told how the brave six-year-old had to undergo a life-saving heart transplant operation and has faced a series of setbacks - but despite everything she still carries on smiling.

Emily, who has a condition that attacks the heart, scooped the Kid in a Million title along with three-year-old Charley Gerrad, who has also battled against illness.

"The two girls you featured in your Superkids article bring a special meaning at this time of year," wrote Ipswich born Wendy of the competition held in conjunction with Tower Ramparts shopping centre.

"Over here there have been quite a few people who have helped us through the ups and downs of Emily, waiting for a heart, her heart transplant and her on-going recovery," she wrote.

Wendy is an ex-Wren. So when an article about Emily in September a link to the article was put on an ex-Wrens and yahoo website which prompted goodwill messages from all over the world.

When Emily was receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London she received a surprise visit from an ex-Wren from Toronto, Canada, and suggested that Emily should become an honorary member of the ex-Wren website.

"An ex-wren living in Scotland made Emily a certificate. Another in Gold River, Canada, knitted Emily a sailor suit, yet another living in Devon had the ex-wrens who are living all over the world send e-mail Christmas greetings to Emily."

The greetings included messages from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, America, Scotland, Wales and England and were printed off and made into a book for the little fighter.

"These ex wrens have been a big source of support to not only Ray and I but to the relatives of Emily," said Wendy. "You will be getting a lot of hits on your second article about Emily as I posted the link from the Evening Star on our club site, so they could read all about her.

"I keep in constant touch with my brother (Emily's grandfather) by phone who then relays our messages to Emily and her parents. They have been through a tremendous time this year and we continue to support them. Thank you once again."

Emily's mother Marie, said of the website: "It has been very helpful knowing that the rest of the family can keep up with news of Emily.

"Wendy was able to see the article on-line before we mailed them a copy. We have received lots of e-mails.

"I would like to thank everybody for their kindness: the wrens for their good wishes especially for the e-mail cards, the outfit and the certificate. I would also like to thank Wendy and Ray for their love and support and for keeping others informed. A Happy New Year to everyone."

WEBLINKS:

www.eveningstar.co.uk

http://uk.clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/jennywrens

http://oberon.ark.com/jplord