A TEENAGER who was born with two holes in her heart has celebrated her 18th birthday — with a kind gesture to the hospital that saved her life.

Beth Wilcock, of Turnberry Close in Astley, turned 18 on Saturday but instead of receiving presents she asked for donations to give to Billinge Maternity Unit.

After being born, Beth was transferred to Alder Hey Children's hospital when it was discovered that she had a co-actuation of the aorta.

At seven days old she underwent successful surgery to repair the aorta but her recovery was blighted after doctors found that she had two holes in her heart.

Before she was a month old Beth had open heart surgery and had to stay in Alder Hey for a further six weeks for recovery.

Now Beth, who is registered disabled, has decided that she would like to thank Alder Hey by raising money for their children's charity to show her appreciation to the cardiac team.

Beth's mum Yvonne, aged 47, said: "Asking for donations instead of presents is just in Beth's nature

"She is very caring, very happy and always has a smile on her face.

"She will do anything for anyone.

"When we asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday she said do you think people would be upset if I just asked for donations to charity.

"Sometimes I don't know where she gets it from.

"We are incredibly proud of her and for her this is just her way of giving something back."

Beth, who is a cadet corporal for St John's Ambulance had her 18th birthday at Astley Minor Welfare Club and through generous donations raised £700 for Alder Hey Children's charity.

Mum Yvonne said: "It was absolutely fantastic.

"I cannot believe the generosity of everyone- we have had people we don't even know donating money.

"Beth loved every single minute of it and even did a speech, which we didn't know she was going to do, so as you can imagine there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

"Everyone kept saying how easy it is to support her because she is such a likeable person.

"We are incredibly incredibly proud of her."

Beth is now hoping to hand her cheque over to Alder Hey later this month.