Mum's pride

At just six years old, brave Tanya Snell has fought back from four major heart operations and partial deafness to lead a normal life. When the youngster was diagnosed with a rare heart defect soon after her birth, doctors were not sure she would make it to her second birthday.

Last week, she defied the odds and took to the stage with twin sister, Gemma, for the Dream of a Dancer Show at Lancing Parish Hall - and made her mum the proudest parent in the audience.

Mrs Snell, of Upper Brighton Road, Broadwater, said: "It is wonderful when you see your child do something spectacular, but to know she almost died made this so special. She's a miracle."

Tanya was born with a serious heart defect which meant her heart was pumping blood into her lungs and making it difficult for the child to breath. By the time Tanya was two years old she had already undergone four major operations. Although she needs another one when she is older, her mum says she is now doing fine.

"For the first two years of her life she was in and out of hospital," said Mrs Snell.

"We are just lucky for her to be alive. It was just an awful time and then, when she was three, we discovered she was partially deaf."

The sisters, who both attend Freshbrook School in Lancing, sang and danced in the show, put on by Lancing Theatre Dance School in aid of children's charity the NSPCC.

"I was just overwhelmed watching it," said Mrs Snell.

"Tanya has always lacked confidence and, if it wasn't for her teachers and the support at Freshbrook School, she would not have had the confidence to take part in the show. Because she is partially deaf she has to work a bit harder than all the other children. I just want to say a big thank you to them and a big thank you to Mrs (Janice) Tritton, who produced the show."