STAFF at a specialist hospital have hailed heart transplant patient Emily Linaker as ‘incredibly brave’.

Last week, the Lancashire Telegraph told how the 14-year-old had returned home to Hoghton after a successful transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

When her old heart deteriorated in November she was only given a five per cent chance of survival, but doctors managed to stabilise her and complete the procedure when a donated organ became available.

Julie Flett, children’s transplant liaison sister, “We are delighted that Emily is doing so well following her transplant.

“She has been incredibly brave and is a great credit to her family.

“Our thoughts are also with the donor family.”

Emily is still recovering but is hoping to return to school at St Thomas’ Centre in Blackburn in April.