A YOUNG boy who is preparing for his third heart operation has received a comforting gift from an international charity.

Noah Freeman, who lives with mum Sarah, dad Lee and big brother Riley in St John's, Worcester, is preparing to undergo his third heart operation in February or March.

After reading about Noah in your Worcester News earlier this month, Lynne Adams, the Worcestershire co-ordinator for Project Linus UK, decided to give a gift to Noah and his brother.

"A friend saw the story in the paper and told me about Noah. I've been involved with the project, which started in America, since 2009, and I've heard over the years just how comforting these blankets can be to children who are going through tough times and I wanted to give quilts to Noah and Riley in the hope that it will bring them comfort during Noah's hospital stay," she said.

"They are both lovely boys and it was so nice to be able to meet them. Quite often I don't get to meet the children that the blankets go to, so it was a real treat to meet Noah and Riley and their mum and dad."

Mrs Freeman said the boys were "thrilled" with their gifts.

She said: "The quilts are absolutely lovely. The boys got to look at some and chose their favourite each. Riley has a superhero one and Noah a pirate one. They were both extremely excited with Lynne's visit and both love their quilts. The work that project Linus UK do is amazing."

Two-year-old Noah shocked doctors when he reached his first birthday after being born with half a heart, and now his family are raising money to take him on fun days out before the next operation.

More than £1,000 has already been raised via the Noah's Fun Trips website.

Mrs Freeman said: "A number of other families who have children with heart defects suggested we set up a donations page to raise money for a few days out. We can't afford to really take Noah and Riley on any trips.

"We can't believe how generous people have been. We have been having lovely trips out. We've been to West Midlands safari park, out for two meals, to Malvern Theatres, and to the Sea Life Centre in Birmingham and Dudley Zoo. The boys are having a great time."

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/jxp0ow.

To get in touch with Lynne Adams from Project Linus, email lynne.g.adams@gmail.com.