GIFT OF LIFE FEATURE: Brave Katy Dean is still waiting for a liver transplant. The 10-year-old from Park North knows that she needs a new liver if she is to survive to adulthood.

Katy needed major surgery at birth because she was born without a thyroid.

At two weeks old, a dangerous cyst developed under her liver.

She underwent a 12-hour operation to remove the cyst, which threatened to infect her body with toxins.

Two years later, Katy underwent an operation to correct heart defects.

During the operation, doctors discovered that Katy's liver was abnormally enlarged and does not function properly, and causes Katy's skin to go yellow.

Earlier this year, football legend George Best, whose life was saved by a liver transplant, sent Katy a personal message of support via the Evening Advertiser.

Her illness is being monitored by specialists at King's College Hospital in London.

Mother Tina, 39, said Katy is feeling well and looking forward to her dream trip swimming with dolphins in Orlando, Florida in September. Regulars at the Liden Arms pub helped raise money to pay for the trip.

She said: "Katy is looking really well and getting on fine. She takes nine doses of medicine still and will from now on until she gets a new liver, then she will be on different medication.

"I am not sure how long she will have to wait for a new donor.

"We are all set to go to America all we are waiting for is the blood tests which say she is okay to fly.

"Katy loves dolphins and it will be fantastic for her."