WHEN liver disease victim Katy Dean fulfilled her dream of swimming with dolphins it was so wonderful that her mother has now made a New Year resolution to repeat the experience.

Tina Dean, of Park North, also hopes to take Katy's brother, Billy, who missed out on last September's trip.

Friends, family and local people raised more than £2,000 to fund the visit to Orlando, Florida.

"I can't describe how incredible it was to see her in the water with the dolphins," said Mrs Dean, 39. "The effect on her was amazing.

"I decided to save up everything I can to take her back again and this time I want to take Billy as well."

The children lost their father Kevin to bronchial pneumonia in March this year.

"It has been a tough year for them both," said Mrs Dean. "Christmas was particularly hard."

Meanwhile, Billy, aged just 13, has taken his father's place at Katy's side when she goes to hospital for tests.

"It hasn't been easy for him and I would just like him to know how much I appreciate him," said Mrs Dean. "That is why I want them both to go to Florida."

Katy's condition first appeared when, at two weeks, she had an operation to remove a cyst under her liver. It was only when she had another operation a year later this time on her heart that surgeons discovered her liver was enlarged. Every six months she has tests at Kings College Hospital.

"The doctors say the medicine is doing its job, but it won't keep working forever," said her mother.

Tina Clarke