A WOMAN who was born her heart ventricles the wrong way round has won her dream job as a health care assistant.

Emma Thompson, 27, from Stokesley, initially dreamt of becoming a nurse, but because of a heart transplant she had when she was three she is more susceptible to infection.

Still determined to pursue a career in healthcare, Miss Thompson did a degree in health and social care before completing an apprenticeship in clinical healthcare support at Hartlepool College of Further Education to give her the necessary hands-on skills.

She is now a full time healthcare assistant in orthopaedic outpatients at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton.

She said: “I have to take anti-rejection drugs because of my transplant, and because I had the transplant very young I have an antibody deficiency – I have a weekly injection of haemoglobin but I still need to be careful.

“Luckily the ward I’m working on now has been really flexible in allowing me to attend hospital appointments during working hours.

“I am very thankful to all who have enabled me to complete my apprenticeship; I also give thanks to my donor and donor family who allowed me a second chance at life.”

“The apprenticeship course lasted two years and included both practical learning opportunities on placement in orthopaedic outpatients and endoscopy at the University Hospital of North Tees, while attending college once a week.

Miss Thompson added: “I think having the heart transplant has actually pushed me forward because I know that life is not guaranteed – it makes me more determined and feisty.”