When a carol service in Horsforth raised hundreds of pounds for a children’s heart hospital there was one guest who was extra special.

Gabrysia Filarowski, pictured, whose life was saved by a heart transplant was at the service given by the Leeds Guild of Singers at St Mary’s Church.

And for her family the theme of the concert – The Mystery and Magic of Christmas – was particularly poignant.

The concert raised £550 for the Children’s Cardiac Transplant Fund at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle where Gabrysia received her new heart 17 months ago.

Gabrysia’s mum, Angela, said the concert, at the church which her family attend, had been a definite highlight in a number of fund-raising events over the Christmas period.

“The parish have been a huge support to Andrew and myself and our children during our time with Gabrysia. We are certain it is thanks to a huge number of prayers that Gabrysia is still with us today,” she said.

“The Guild decided to support us by donating all money raised from their concert to Gabrysia’s fund. We are unbelievably thankful to everyone for all their efforts, it will truly make a difference not only to Gabrysia but to the other children in a similar situation to her.

“The carol service was wonderful, a delightful start to Christmas, and as we attended the event as a family we were emotionally only too aware of the real magic of Christmas.”