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Birthday surprise for brave Connor

Emma Scott
17/ 8/2006

HEART transplant patient Connor Shaw has celebrated his seventh birthday.

The youngster was born with a defect which meant that only half his heart worked properly.

He underwent a transplant in June 2003 and was so ill at one point that he was administered the Last Rites.

A party was held at Francis House Children's Hospice, on Parrs Wood Road, Didsbury, to celebrate the occasion on Sunday.

It was attended by 20 of his classmates at St Ambrose RC Primary School, on Princess Road, Chorlton.

His mother Maria Chebrika, of Darley Avenue, Chorlton, said: "Each birthday for Connor is another milestone.

"It was his first big party with all his friends there.

"We had a really good day and there was a really good turnout.

"There was a lot of cake. He's really mad on Dr Who so we had a huge Dalek cake made for him.

"The entertainer was fantastic and I couldn't have done it without him.

"He did magic tricks, balloon-making and a disco. He was so good that the kids hardly ate anything."

Connor is due to take part in his third Transplant Games in Bath from Thursday, where he will compete in the obstacle course, ball-throwing and running events.

He has also recently appeared in an article in the National Blood Service magazine because he has had so many transfusions.

He is due to undergo his 19th operation in October.

Connor has also been nominated for a Children of Courage Award by Woman's Own magazine and GMTV.

It will be judged by a panel including actor Anthony Andrew and GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips.

If he progresses in the competition he will travel down to London in December to attend a ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

A gala dinner will be held with a host of celebrities.