A little girl living with an irreparable heart defect is in the best health of her life, according to her mum.

Olivia Wilkinson underwent 18 hours of surgery at Leeds General Infirmary hours after she was born.

She had to be resuscitated on two separate occasions during the operation in 2008, as surgeons at Leeds General Infirmary massaged her tiny heart with their bare hands in a bid to keep it beating.

Now the Ilkley two-year-old, who receives palliative treatment, is doing better than ever after her latest check-up, according to her mum, Naomi.

“We went to the clinic in June and they said she’s the best she’s ever been,” Mrs Wilkinson said. “We’re really thrilled. Olivia’s looking really well at the moment and she’s on an up.”

Mrs Wilkinson said consultants were so happy with her daughter’s progress they do not need to see her again until December – when the usual time between check-ups is just 12 weeks.

Mrs Wilkinson and husband Shaun, of Gordon Street, have been raising money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as a way of thanking those who helped.

They have organised a Jamie Oliver Evening at the Crown Inn in Addingham at 7pm on Thursday, July 29.

All money raised from a raffle and other events at the evening will go towards the fund.

For more details about the event, call licensee Maria Wells on (01943) 830278.