A teenager who underwent heart surgery when she was just three is helping set up a nationwide support group for youngsters in a similar position.

Former Manningtree College student Lisa King has already begun training to be part of the initiative set up by CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Lisa, who is now 16 and leads a normal life, said she was only too aware of the difficulties children face when they have heart conditions.

“It is not always easy to talk to doctors or adults and is is good to be able to speak to someone nearer your own age who has gone through similar experiences” she said

“I am lucky and I can do just about anything I want.  I have just had my third pacemaker fitted and go riding regularly.”

But Lisa, who lives in Bradfield, admits there were times when she was not so sure she would get to that stage and that she was frightened.

“The idea is that we can be at the end of a telephone to give help, advice or encouragement – or just have a chat to others when they need it.”

The Surgery Support Group is aimed at people aged up to 35 who have or are about to have pacemakers and defibrillators fitted or ablation.

It is a totally confidential service and will be operated by six young people who have had this surgery themselves.