A teenager whose life was transformed by a heart transplant is urging people to back an appeal for life-saving equipment.

Amy Morris, aged 14, underwent a transplant in 2003 after being born with a rare heart defect.

Yesterday, the Westhoughton High School pupil and other people with heart problems joined forces with the British Heart Foundation to highlight the appeal.

The aim is to buy a machine, which can diagnose heart problems earlier, for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Amy, from Westhoughton, said: “It is badly needed to help detect heart defects from early on.

“There was nothing like this when I was little, maybe if there was I wouldn’t have needed the heart transplant.”

An event outside the hospital was staged to raise awareness of the appeal and urge people to get involved.

For more information about the appeal, contact 0161 288 7355, or email mcnallysa@bhf.org.uk