Knowing that Mia's heart went to such a lovely little girl makes it extra special

HEARING the gentle beating of your child's heart is precious for every mum.

- WARREN MANGER

But when Amy Anderson listens to her daughter's heart beating, it is in another little girl's chest.

Speaking of the magical moment, Amy, 35, says: "It was just so special." Seeing her with five-year-old Grace Westwood and her mum Becci, 41, on a chilly winter's day, they look like one happy extended family enjoying a stroll together in the park.

But the story behind this little gathering where they were joined by Amy's son Mason, nine, and Becci's son Josh, eight - is very far from everyday.

For Grace is alive thanks to Amy's parents' decision to donate the heart of their 10-year-old daughter Mia Hicks.

Their pre-Christmas gettogether is the second time Amy has met Grace but the first time they have gone public.

And it is all the more special as Grace has brought a belated gift to mark what would have been Mia's 13th birthday on October 22.

Turning to Amy, she beams as she hands her a bronze medal she won for cup stacking at the British Transplant Games.

LOVE

It is something her mum Becci and dad Darren, 40, regard as nothing short of a miracle.

Shaking her head in astonishment, Becci says: "Grace couldn't even have a bath before her transplant." As Grace leaps around in the park with the two boys, her blonde hair catching the winter sunlight, Amy's delight is clear.

"It's lovely to see how happy Grace and her family are thanks to Mia after they waited so long and have been through so much," she says.

"Watching Grace play and knowing that Mia's heart went to such a lovely little girl makes it extra special." Both families have been to hell and back in the build-up to this happy reunion.

Mia died aged 10 a few days after an asthma attack and cardiac arrest in May 2022. Just two when her asthma was diagnosed, Mia was prescribed a steroid inhaler, which her family, from Witham, Essex, used to manage her illness.