For Ruben, his diagnosis - pre-empted by quick thinking doctors and nurses at Leeds Children's Hospital - required an almost immediate surgical operation on his heart just days after he was born.

Ruben was on the operating table for more than six hours fighting for his life as surgeons fixed his tiny heart.

Three years on, Ruben is a thriving little boy who amazes his mum Laurie Higgins, 32, every day.