A mother thought she would lose her little girl after doctors discovered she had a hole in her heart during a check-up.
Seven-year-old Layla Sangster from Kemnay had been visiting hospital with her mother Lynette, 36, for treatment for a rash.
But after examining the youngster, medical professionals diagnosed her with having an atrial septal defect – a gap in the wall that separates the two top chambers of the heart.
Layla’s mum, Lynette, said: “The way they said it was as if I was supposed to already know.
“I just went into shock.
“My biggest fear was that I was going to lose her. You do go straight into the worst case scenario.”
Young Layla will now have to undergo life-changing surgery, but her mother said she’s glad doctors caught the condition early.
Ms Sangster added: “The way it’s been described to me is as though it’s a ticking time bomb.
“She could have been 60 before they found it, so we’re feeling relieved that we have it now, and we’re fixing the problem.
“We’re hoping it will give Layla a new lease of life.”
Layla will need to travel to Glasgow for specialist surgery, and while they are staying there the mother and daughter will live at the Ronald McDonald House, a charity which provides free accommodation for families.
To thank the organisation for putting a roof over their heads during their upcoming stay in Glasgow, MS Sangster and her partner Sammy have organised a fundraising dinner and dance, which will be held at Kemnay Bowling Club on March 31.
