ELODIE Gray, aged 11, from Kingswood, has become a star of a NHS video encouraging people to consider organ donation.
Elodie, who had a heart transplant as a baby, features in the Hope Takes Flight campaign.
She says: “My new heart means I can do things that other children do, spend time with my dogs Coco and Bhodie, ride my bike, simple things.
“My highlights have been going to Disneyland, Florida, Britain’s Got Talent – meeting the judges and pressing the ‘X’ red button and helping others.
“Organ donation is a great thing! I wish more people get fixed and can enjoy life again, a very underrated word.
“Hope Takes Flight brings a very serious subject to discussion, if I hadn’t got my new heart, I wouldn’t be able to tell you my story.”
Her dad Colin, aged 52, adds: “I always try to keep up to date with children or parents who are waiting for ‘that call’ to get their much needed life saving organ which means we are constantly reminded of ‘how grave’ these situations are for families.
“Sarah and I (if asked) tell people we are the lucky ones, but Elodie takes it in her stride in most cases. She is very aware what she has been through. Our differences in life can never be explained in words due to the severity of Elodie’s journey, only to say we cherish every moment with her.
“Most of the waiting and deaths can be avoided. We as a family benefited from organ donation enormously. If everyone knows their loved ones’ wishes, it would save many more lives. The worst time in our lives turned into the best thanks to an organ donor.”