THE family of a girl who was facing a heart transplant are urging people to carry donor cards.

Rachel Howker was on holiday in Florida when a heart surgeon agreed to perform a pioneering heart operation, which meant there was no need for a transplant.

Her mum Carol and step-dad Kevin Gilmore say they were just lucky to be in the right place at the right time, with a surgeon who could offer Rachel a new lease of life.

Others might not be so fortunate - as the family of Chester Drive, Ramsbottom, know from experience.

A donor could not be found for Carol's sister Susan Hitchen of Rochdale.

She died 10 years ago while waiting for a heart and lung transplant.

Carol said: "I would like to see a system where, if you didn't want your organs to be used for transplant, you opt out, rather than the donor card scheme.

"But I would urge everyone to carry a card and if something happens to think very seriously about organ donation.

"We are lucky that Rachel does not now have to have a transplant, but things could have been very different."

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