Heart op survivor Chanel and her family give the gift of kindness on Christmas visit to children's ward

Chanel Murrish, five, from Seaham, was diagnosed with a rare heart defect before she was born and had undergone a series of major operations.

Her mum Fay has dedicated her time to helping others just like them and had made it a family tradition to visit the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where the little girl has been treated and is continually monitored.

Along with her brothers Cole, seven, and Chase, nine, the Seaview Primary School pupil visited the ward along with a host of Christmas characters from Make My Day Events to hand out gifts.

The presents were bought thanks to the generosity of supporters and businesses, while the fund was also boosted with a night of entertainment held by the Crow's Nest pub on East Shore Village in their home town.

Fay, 30, who is married to Micheal, 33, said the event had been a "magical morning” with 30 parents given presents, with staff also given a treat, a food hamper given to the parents’ room, and two bags of toys donated to the ward's playroom.

A Nintendo Switch and a series of portable DVD players have also been left on the unit for its visitors to use, while £500 has been pledged to the safe ready for next year’s Christmas campaign.

Fay said: "An the incredible amount of gifts were given out to heart heroes and their siblings spending Christmas in hospital with the help of special helpers from Make My Day Events.

“Everyone's kindness who helped us fundraise or donated has been overwhelming.

“Every year I come away with mixed feelings.

“It’s awful seeing so many spending Christmas in hospital but I hope we helped spread a little magic.”

Chanel was born with only half a working heart, as well as an additional complication, with surgery carried out just moments after she was born.

Her story can be followed by her own Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ChanelMurrish/.