The parents of six-year-old Sally Slater, who was given just hours to live before receiving a life-saving heart transplant, today said there was still a long way for her to go.

Hopes had been fading for the North Yorkshire girl, who on Saturday night was in a critical condition after being struck down by a virus which attacked her heart.

But a donor was found and she underwent an emergency seven-hour heart transplant in the early hours of yesterday.

Sally's father, 36-year-old Jon Slater, said: "There's still an awful long way to go. We have seen Sally as near to death as you can possible be and she's still near to death."

Mr Slater said Sally was being treated in an isolation cubicle. He and his wife, Bridget, also 36, were taking it in turns to be in the room with her.

A spokesman at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle upon Tyne, where Sally's operation was performed, said last night: "The next 48 hours are crucial, but she's in with a chance."

The main risks in the early stages of recovery from a heart transplant are infection or rejection.

Just weeks ago, Sally, of Malham, North Yorkshire, was a carefree, healthy little girl.

Sally, who is expected to remain in intensive care for at least a week, was left in a critical condition after she was struck down by a virus which caused cardiomyopathy, which weakens the muscles of the heart.

Mr and Mrs Slater made an emotional appeal on Friday for a donor to come forward.

Time seemed to be running out for Sally, who was described by her father as "a wonderful, wonderful girl", until a donor was found almost at the last minute.

Mr Slater, who looked exhausted, said the family had been inundated with messages from well-wishers, adding: "We are extremely grateful to the people and the media for their help over the last few days."

The couple, who have two other children, Joe, five, and Charlie, three, have been warned the first few hours are a critical time for any heart transplant patient.

The hospital refused to disclose the identity of the donor, saying the wishes of the child's family had to be respected.

People in Sally's home village spoke of their relief after the news that the operation had gone ahead.

The close-knit community of Malham is home to just 800 people and the Slaters are well known in the village.

Jane Cross, from the local pub, the Buck Inn, said: "It was the perfect Mother's Day present for Sally's mother."

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