Bedfordshire: Miracle girl who survived four heart attacks in one night returns to school

Ava Mear is back at school. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Another day at Caddington Village School in Bedfordshire and another small step forward for five-year-old Ava Mear.

In January she almost died after having four heart attacks in one night. It was caused by a severe reaction to a bacterial infection.

After six months in hospital, she's back at school part time, and loving every minute, with the support of her friends.

Ava's progress is remarkable.

When we filmed with the family in April, it was early in her recovery. Still very fragile, she was sleeping in hospital every night.

Ava, back in April. Credit: ITV News Anglia

The infection got into her brain, meaning she also had to re-learn how to walk and talk.

At Great Ormond Street Hospital she was attached to an artificial lung, called an ECMO machine.

Her parents have raised £56,000 for a portable version that ambulance crews can take out on the road.

It was their way to say thank you to the teams that saved her life.

Ava's parents are grateful that she's still alive. Credit: ITV News Anglia

For the whole family, it's a pleasure to get back to normal life.

A life, which thanks to the miracles of medicine, includes a remarkable five-year-old girl.

Click below to watch a report from ITV News Anglia's Olivia Paterson

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