BRAVE six-year-old Sally Slater came home to Kirkby Malham on Friday just weeks after a life-saving heart transplant operation.

The little girl, whose plight caught the attention of a nation, is now hoping to return to Kirkby Malham Primary School in six weeks' time - almost four months after she fell ill with a mystery virus which attacked her heart.

She was moved from a unit in Leeds to the regional heart centre at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, on March 21.

Four days later, doctors fitted her with a revolutionary plastic artificial heart to buy more time for a donor to be found.

The search became increasingly desperate until, with just hours to spare, a mystery donor came forward.

The seven hour operation went smoothly and Sally amazed doctors with the speed of her recovery.

The family is now trying to return to normal with dad Jon back at work at Slater Marchant.

"It is great to be back," Sally's mum, Bridget told the Herald.

"Sally has been in hospital for nine weeks. She is still at risk of infection, but she is doing really well."

Mrs Slater paid tribute to the overwhelming support and kindness the family had received from their friends, relations and neighbours throughout Craven.

"We have had massive support, and we would like to thank people very much for all that."

People have been lending support in practical ways, with the Slaters' lawn being mowed and gardening done while the family has been in Newcastle with Sally.

There was also home baking given to Mrs Slater's sister, Gilly Marsh, as she cared for the couple's other two children, Joe, five, and Charlie, three.

Cards are still pouring in to wish Sally well, and she has been busy writing back to a few this week.

Among the many gifts and letters were a book from Roald Dahl's daughter, and a bouquet of flowers from Coronation Street actress Denise Welch, who plays Natalie Barnes in the popular soap.

Sally is now starting to do a bit of walking and her appetite is returning to normal. She has to go back to the hospital once a week.

She is enjoying being home with her brothers and is spending the time making things, writing and reading, and receiving visits from relatives and friends. She has also become something of an expert at posing for photographers, although she is now getting bored with all the attention.

Sally's mum and her friends are planning to get their running shoes on to raise money for the Children's Heart Unit Fund at the Freeman Hospital - they are going to be sponsored do the Great North Run and Malham Show fell race.

Sally's paternal grandmother, Barbara Slater is also putting her best foot forward to boost CHUF's funds.

She will be joined by friends to walk the 10 miles from her Threshfield home to Sally's house in Malhamdale on Sunday June 4.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the event can make their donation at Slater Marchant, Manor Hill, Grassington.

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