A Scots mum has opened up on her young daughter's fight for life after the tot had to undergo heart surgery at just a few weeks old.
Little Aria diagnosed with a heart disease and a hole in her heart after being born five weeks premature via emergency c-section in March 2018.
Doctors immediately become worried for the youngster when she was born a "dusky grey".
Marianne Pickering, from Inverness, hadn't even been able to hold her baby before she was rushed to Glasgow by helicopter for treatment.
The mum told how she was left 'sobbing and crying' in her hospital bed as she was unable to go with her daughter while recovering from major surgery.
Mariane said: "Within minutes of being born it was clear something was wrong. She wasn't a healthy pink colour, she was a dusky grey.
"She was whisked off to SCBU (Special Care Baby Unit) and assessed. A few hours later a Doctor came and said they suspected there was something wrong with her heart.
"She was transferred by Emergency Helicopter and I could not go with her, having just had major surgery it was deemed too risky for me.
"Lying in my hospital bed, unable to move, and listening to that helicopter taking off was agonising.
"I lay there sobbing and sobbing and sobbing, my baby, who I had not yet held, was being taken away from me."
Aria spent her first eight weeks of life at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital before doctors diagnosed her as having a congenital heart disease.
They also discovered a hole in her heart and an underdeveloped artery.
Since her tough start to life, Aria has undergone two heart surgeries, but things aren't set to get any easier for the brave child.
Aria, who will soon turn three, will require more operations as she battles illness for the rest of her life.
Now Marianne, 39, is taking part in the Loch Ness Marathon to raise funds for charity in tribute to the doctors who helped save her daughter.
Launching a charity drive page, she hopes to raise £5,000 for the Glasgow Children's Hospital charity, which provides comfort and support for kids going through treament.
She added: "They provide staff to play with the kids (when Mum & Dad need a rest), toys, entertainment, a cinema and all manner of things to take their minds off what they are going through.
"Much needed funds for the charity, as they are needed 365 days a year by many, many families."
You can donate to the page here.
