New garden for girl, six, with heart condition

Emilia had her first heart operation at five days old after the left side of her heart did not form in the womb

The family of a green-thumbed six-year-old whose heart problems keep her from mainstream schooling have said winning a competition to have a garden makeover will be "amazing" for her.

Emilia from Tunstall in Stoke-on-Trent has had three major operations, the first at five days old, and there is a “strong possibility” she may require a heart transplant in future.

She is home-educated due to her condition, and loves learning about plants and flowers.

The garden would act as an outdoor learning area as well as a place to play, Emilia's mother Sarah said.

The family’s sloped garden is said to have huge makeover potential

Emilia's story struck a chord with Stoke-on-Trent firm Tru-Pro Landscaping after it launched a contest to find someone deserving of a new-look green space.

Garden landscaper Nathan Brammer is leading the project and describes Emilia’s family as the “bravest people” he knows.

• Listen on BBC Sounds for more on this story about this life-changing moment for Emilia

“None of us will probably go through what she’s been through in just six years,” he said.

Sarah explained: "When Emilia gets poorly it can take her two weeks to recover from just a simple cold, and as she was missing so much work and development, we had to make the decision to pull her out [of school]."

Big reveal

The project has already had 32 volunteers sign up to help improve the garden including one who called Mr Brammer in tears having heard about Emilia's ill-health.

Tru-Pro Landscaping has organised raffles, a fundraising page and walks to pay for supplies.

“There is a little bit more money we need to raise but we are getting there,” Mr Brammer said.

The project will take place from Thursday 23 May with the big reveal to the family on Sunday 26 May.