EIGHT-years-old multi-heart op wonder Michael Gillespie has beaten the odds on three occasions.

The little 'walking miracle' who has already battled through a trio of major operations, fighting off serious complications, now faces his biggest test.

Later this month, following a cardiac arrest last year which has left his heart enlarged, he goes to Great Ormond Street Hospital for assessment for a possible heart and lung transplant.

But before then his school, Christ Church, Pennington, has honoured him by inviting him to open the summer fair on Saturday, June 6.

Manchester United mad Michael (pictured), of Beech Drive, Leigh, has had to endure a lifetime of heart problems.

He was born with his heart the wrong way round and at the age of seven underwent a double-switch operation at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Other operations since have included the fitting of a pacemaker, the repair of the pumping chamber and the fitting of a mechanical valve.

Proud mum, Vivienne and dad David, said: "He's a real bionic boy - a walking miracle. His strong will has helped him through. His spirit is never broken and he fights back against all the odds. He never, ever gives up and is simply the most special, brave child.

"We wanted to give him as normal a life as possible and we are thrilled the school has chosen him as the celebrity opener. It's his birthday as well this month, so it's going to be a very busy one.

"All the children in class 4 are fantastic with him. He will join in any challenge, but knows his limitations.

"His hero is Arnold Schwarzenegger who has also had open heart surgery for a replacement valve.

"The vicar, the Rev Peter Leake, has been wonderful saying weekly prayers for Michael. His big sister Joanne,15, has been a great support. She is now studying for her GCSEs but still finds lots of time for him."

"As far as facing the continuing hospital treatment, Michael is taking it in his stride in a most grown-up fashion".

"However the man we have to thank most of all for saving our son is Birmingham heart specialist, Mr B Brawn. We thought Michael had no chance when he was born, but Mr Brawn has given him life.

"He's the man with the golden hands."

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