THE mother of Farnworth heart transplant girl Emma Standish has sent out a message of hope to a family going through the same ordeal.

Emma, of Philips Avenue, Farnworth, was given just days to live when her vital organs failed and she was placed on top of the nation's donor list.

Now her mother, Deborah Cartwright, is encouraging the family of youngster Abbey Cape, from Leicestershire, to try to stay positive.

Doctors discovered that Abbey, aged nine, is suffering from cardiomyopathy, an infection of the heart muscles, just like Emma was only a few years ago.

Abbey is at the top of the UK and European registers for heart donation, as she remains on a ventilator at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Miss Cartwright has spoken about how hard it was for them when Emma was poorly, but offered hope to Abbey's parents, Marianne and Darren.

She said: "We know how difficult it is but Abbey's family need to stay positive. It's hard, but anything can happen and we still have our Emma here to prove it."

Abbey's parents have been staying in the hospital and now have the agonising wait for an organ suitable for the transplant. While the family has been at Great Ormond Street organs have come in but have not been compatible.

Miss Cartwright, who was tearful as she spoke of the anguish the family must be facing, added: "All I can say is keep your chin up. Even if it's all down the the last minute, stay positive."