Hi, my name is Pearl. I am 7 years old and I was born with half a heart. I nearly died when I was a baby but the doctors saved my life. I have had 3 big operations and 1 small one.

I can do every sport and play every game as long as I have a little rest when I get puffed out.

When I do too much exercise, like running or skipping I get pain in my chest. I get puffed out too. I tell Mum or the teacher and I have a rest with someone looking after me. When I feel better I start playing again.

I like drama, swimming, snuggling my cats, listening to music, dancing, drawing and crafts. I am funny and I like making people laugh.

I am normal like all the other children but I am different inside.

When I grow up, I want to be a hairdresser, a vet nurse and look after animals. I want to have 5 animals (2 cats, 2 dogs and 1 hamster).