Jo still awaits Big Brother op cash

The makers of Big Brother have still not handed over the £70,000 they promised for Down's Syndrome sufferer Jo Harris' operation.

Channel 4 pledged to match the prize money won by Craig Phillips in the programme in September, but the cheque has still to arrive.

The appeal is also waiting for a promised £50,000 from Chris Evans towards sending 18-year-old Jo to America for a heart and lung transplant.

Both say they are holding back because of the possibility of Jo now getting the operation in Britain on the NHS.

Jo's mother Marion told The Mail on Sunday: "Jo is missing out because the money would be earning huge amounts of interest for her if it was in the appeal's high interest account."

Jo's aunt, Viv McCarthy, who is running the appeal, said: "Nothing has materialised from the suggestion the NHS might carry out the operation, but Jo is still losing out because of it."

A Channel 4 spokesman said: "We are making contact with the trustees."

A representative for Chris Evans said; "We have been waiting for clairification of the fund's details. Now that has been received, Chris' accountant will be arranging the payment.

"If Jo needs the money for the operation, it will go directly to her. If she does not need it, it could go to another charity such as the Down's Syndrome Association."