TWO-YEAR-OLD William Simpson is to be placed on the list for a heart transplant.

The youngster, from Meir, who suffers from a rare heart condition, which restricts the heart's capability to circulate blood round the body, was fitted with a artificial metal valve when he was just a few months old.

His parents Tracey and Chris told The Sentinel last year that they hoped he would not need a transplant until he reached age six or seven.

But doctors have now told the family that a transplant is vital because his valve is starting to fail.

William and his parents are now awaiting a date to go down to London for compatibility tests.

Once he is put on the transplant list, it is expected to take about 12 months for a heart to be found.

Tracey, aged 36, of Chatsworth Place, said: "A transplant was something we were hoping we would have to put off for much longer, but things seem to have gone down a totally different route.

"It is a scary time, but we keep trying to focus on the fact that if it goes well, William will have another lease of life."

The family were told when William was fitted with the artificial valve that it would last until he was three or four and then others would be fitted until one eventually lasted for the rest of his life.

But during the operation, one of his arteries was damaged making it difficult to perform further operations.

He began struggling with breathlessness and increased tiredness late last year and it was on a visit to his specialist when it was revealed William's valve was starting to fail.

Some people with heart failure can be put on artificial heart machines, called a Berlin Heart, but that is not an option for William because of his mechanical valve.

His family have not been told of the risks involved with the operation, just that it is crucial to get him on the list as soon as possible.

Tracey, who has given up work as a warehouse operative to look after William, added: "We have been told it can take up to 12 months for infant hearts to become available so it is very important we get William on the list quickly.

"If his heart starts to fail and he doesn't get one in time, he will die."

Chris, who works for Royal Mail, said the family are trying to stay positive.

The 42-year-old said: "It is a shame that someone has to suffer for William to get a heart, but at the end of the day it will give him a better quality of life.

"If everything goes well his life should be as near to normal for a three-year-old.

"William will have tablets to take, but he is used to having medicine already."