WHEN Sarah Cox was just 23 days old, she became one of the youngest children ever to be given a heart transplant.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: George Simpson, from Welwyn, at the National Transplant Games 2013George Simpson, from Welwyn, at the National Transplant Games 2013 (Image: Archant)

Given slim chances of survival by doctors after being diagnosed with viral meningitis, the youngster has now defied the odds and triumphed on the sporting field.

Now aged six, Sarah, from Welwyn, was one of the shining stars at the National Transplant Games, held in Sheffield.

And she was joined by fellow Welwyn Garden City transplantee George Simpson, 12, who had a heart transplant back in 2002.

Sarah’s proud mum Jennie told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “She was only a tiny baby, she was at a stage where she wasn’t expected to survive.

“The contrast between the little baby that was about to die and the girl who’s running about and jumping around is great to see.”

And she said her daughter, who is cared for by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), is here today because a generous family decided to donate the lifesaving organ.

Jennie said: “When she’s well she’s got so much energy.

“When she’s running round it just makes you think how amazingly lucky she is to have got someone to donate an organ.

“It’s such an amazing gift, that someone can give someone else the chance to live like that.”

She reached the final in the children’s sprinting competition, and fourth in the obstacle race and long jump.

Sarah was cheered on by brothers Matthew, nine, and James, three.

George has been a patient at GOSH since he was two, after he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy – a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged and unable to pump blood efficiently.

George competed in events including long jump, table tennis, badminton and the ball throw.

Janet Holmes, surgical play team leader at GOSH, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Sarah and George.

“The British Transplant Games are a wonderful celebration of the gift of organ donation, and show just how much our patients can go on to achieve.

“Each and every one of our GOSH competitors is a champion by virtue of standing on the starting line.”