COURAGEOUS child Sally Slater yesterday enjoyed the day her parents feared she would never see - her seventh birthday.

But the big party was delayed until today, as she had to spend her special day at one of her routine checks-ups in hospital.

Sally, of Kirkby Malham, North Yorkshire, won the sympathy and support of the nation earlier this year during her fight to live after being struck down by a potentially-lethal virus.

The virus attacked her heart muscles and a picture of the once bright and lively child clinging to life in a hospital bed touched hearts all over the country. A heart transplant was the only thing that could save her and hope was running out by the time appeals for a donor were answered by an anonymous family.

Now, Sally is well on the road to recovery and just a week ago she was able to rejoin her chums at Kirkby in Malhamdale United Aided Primary School. Yesterday, she was as excited as any seven-year-old could be at the prospect of opening presents.

But before she could start tearing at the wrapping paper she first had to go back to hospital in Newcastle for her fortnightly check.

Father Jon, 36, said: "Despite having to go to the hospital, she's still been having a good time. This is a day we really thought we might never see and we are easily as happy as the birthday girl."