Five-year-old Teala Roberts, of Kingsley Street, in Leigh, was diagnosed with atrial septal defect (ASD) – also known as a "hole in the heart" – in June 2008 and underwent a major operation at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital last year.

Now 12 months after surgery, Teala's parents Tony Evans, 28, and Louise Roberts, 29, say she is able to live a normal life.

Mum Louise said: "Teala can do everyday activities like any other child. She takes part in gymnastics and plays with her sisters Tori and Destiny.

"We took her to the hospital with a suspected chest infection because her lips and fingers were blue. But the doctors could hear an echo in her chest and diagnosed her with a hole in her heart.

"The surgery was completely successful and we only have to attend check-ups every three years."

During Teala's treatment, Tony and Louise were given support by Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), who provide free accommodation for families of children being treated at hospital.

And, visiting McDonalds within Asda at Leigh this week, Louise, added: "If it wasn't for the money the charity raised, we wouldn't have been able to afford the hotels or driving costs needed to travel to hospital.

"Being around other families going through the same ordeal was a big help."

Jon Haward, director of RMHC, said: "Having a child admitted to hospital is every parent's worst nightmare. RMHC provide support for families at this difficult time, enabling them not only to stay together but also to share their experiences with other families going through the same thing."

Teala was four when she was diagnosed with ASD, which is a defect between the heart's two upper chambers.

When there is a large defect, or hole, between the chambers, a large amount of oxygen-rich blood leaks from the heart's left side back to the right side.

Then the blood is pumped back to the lungs, despite already having been refreshed with oxygen, and displaces blood that needs oxygen.

Closing the defect in childhood can prevent serious problems later in life.