Parents of a girl who had to undergo heart surgery have thanked the medics who helped her.

Verity Nuttall from Congleton faced one of the most challenging moments of her life in September 2025 when she was left needing urgent specialist heart surgery.

Now, her parents, Katie and Gareth, have praised the National Children's Air Ambulance crew who got her safely to hospital.

They said: "The words thank you just aren't enough.

"It was such an important step in helping Verity get the treatment she needed and helping her get better."

Verity was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy when she was just six months old.

Throughout her life she has managed well, with only the occasional setback.

However, during a family holiday in Devon last summer she became unwell and was admitted to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

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Doctors learnt the leak in her mitral valve was severe and had progressively worsened, meaning around 70% of her blood was flowing in the wrong direction.

It became clear Verity would need surgery to repair the valve, with her consultant recommending a specialist surgeon based at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

With time critical and Verity needing to be transferred safely, the National Children's Air Ambulance was called in by one of its Clinical Partner Teams, the North West & North Wales Paediatric Transport Service, to carry out the journey.

For mum, Katie, the morning of the transfer was emotional and stressful until the crew arrived.

"The moment the team walked in, I just felt this sense of calm," she said. "You could immediately tell Verity was in good hands."

The flight helped save nearly five hours (Credit: NCAA)

The flight took just 48 minutes, saving four hours and 49 minutes compared to travelling by road.

Katie added: "Coming off the helicopter and stepping onto the landing pad was overwhelming. There were so many people there just for Verity. When you step back, it's incredible to realise this service is there for your child when you need it most."

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Verity even found her own special way to say thank you. After accidentally leaving her water bottle on the helicopter, she kindly donated it to NCAA crew member Lonnie.

She has since named her Jellycat dragon after him, so she always has a reminder of the journey and the crew who helped her.

Following a short time in the High Dependency Unit, Verity underwent open heart surgery on September 5 to repair her valve.

Remembering the call they received the next morning, Verity's parents said: "At 8.30am the nurse rang to say Verity was asking for her mum and dad, demanding we come to see her.

"She's never lost the assertiveness and we hope she never does."

Now in Year 7, Verity is back doing what she loves most. She has joined drama club, recently passed her tap-dancing exam, performed in 'We Will Rock You' at Daneside Theatre and is preparing to be one of the principal dancers in her school's summer production of Fame.