Teen handed over presents to hospital patients and staff as a 'thank-you' for saving her mum's life

Inspirational Anna Hemphill, 17, made a donation to the Golden Jubilee in Clydebank in appreciation of the several life-saving procedures carried out on her mother Mary, 44.

The St Stephen's High pupil was just 10 when her mum was first admitted to the hospital in 2011 to have aortic valve replacement surgery.

Six months later, Mary was back in hospital receiving a mechanical mitral valve.

In 2012, she then had a pacemaker fitted before a mitral valve repair three years ago.

It was a distressing and anxious time for young Anna, waiting around in the wards for news of her mum's progress, and it inspired her to help other children, families and patients who are going through the same ordeals.

As a token of her appreciation to the work of the hospital, the teenager handed over a cheque for £1,600 to staff, taking her charity fundraising total to a staggering £12,000.

She also delivered two massive food hampers, four sacks of presents, including iTunes and hotel vouchers, and massive Christmas crackers filled with goodies for patients and staff.

Anna said: "I went through a really difficult time so I just want to help others who are going through the same thing.

"It's also to say thank-you for all the amazing care the Golden Jubilee and all the heart charities give to the likes of my family.

"My friends and family, everyone at my school and the whole community really support me and I want them to know how grateful I am for that and for their generosity." The youngster was accompanied by friends Caitlin Cunningham, Cristina Mazzoni, Jack Purdie and maths teacher, Colette Watt, on the visit to the national services division (NSD) ward.

As well as raising money for the hospital, Anna has also made donations to heart charities including the British Heart Foundation and the Scottish Association of Children with Heart Disorders.

Proud mum Mary, 44, who is still under the care of the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service (SACCS) team at the Golden Jubilee, said: "I've brought Anna up to know that some people aren't lucky as we have been and I haven't shielded her from anything.

"She's very strong and really passionate about what she does. "She has taken our experiences into her school to educate people and engage with them, not just to raise money for charities."

St Stephen's teacher, Colette, says the teenager is a credit to the school.

She said: "Anna is a very inspiring young woman. "Through her campaigns she brings the whole school together and there is a great atmosphere at her events on our shared campus and everyone gets involved."

Golden Jubilee medical director, Mike Higgins, said: "What Anna has done, and is continuing to do, for someone so young is just absolutely wonderful.

"We are so grateful to her and her spirit of generosity and compassion for others is truly inspiring. "She is a credit to her family, her school and her whole community."

Maggie Simpson, SACCS senior nurse specialist, also heaped praise on the thoughtful Port Glasgow girl.

She said: "Anna's organisation of a variety of events to raise money is greatly appreciated and will be of huge benefit to patients and their families who attend this specialist unit at the Golden Jubilee."