You wouldn't know it, but giggling baby Noa Gwilym Pritchard was born with a broken heart.

The first eight months of his life have been a battle, as doctors diagnosed him with Holt-Oram syndrome.

The one in a 100,000 condition often leads to cardiac problems.

But now smiling Noa is the picture of health after pioneering surgeons were able to repair his heart using parts from a cow.

The operation, carried out when he was just a few days old, saw medics at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool use "both human and bovine" tissue to patch up his ticker.

The surgery was a success and Noa's heart is now "near perfect".

His mum Elen Pritchard, a former geography teacher, Penygroes , in Gwynedd , couldn't be happier and says Noa is "flourishing".

"Recently it has become obvious that it is the rare syndrome Holt-Oram which is the cause of Noa's problems with his arms and his heart," said Elen.

People with Holt-Oram syndrome have abnormally developed bones in their upper limbs and often suffer with cardiac problems.

"Operations on his arms will come, but we have learnt from this little boy that suffering is short lived and that life and the blessing of having him is long-lasting.

"The light at the end of a dark tunnel is very dim, but his smile is dazzling and hope carries the day."

Cow heart valves are occasionally used by surgeons as they have a similar tissue physiology to human valves.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of open heart surgery, Noa also developed a hernia which needed a further operation two weeks later.

This operation was also heralded as a success and he made a full recovery.

"He enjoys every day like any other little boy, discovering more and more about the world around him," Elen added.

"He has become obsessed with the cats, the trees, his own feet and the myriad of toys.

"He does not like it when his father sneezes, neither does he like to go on noisy buses nor clapping of any kind.

"Until last week, he didn't enjoy sleeping either, but with a little singing and some 'goodnight' milk, he is beginning to gain a closer relationship with Huwcyn, the Welsh sleep fairy!

"I would like to thank everyone for their support and kindness during the very anxious time we experienced before Noa was born and after that when he had to face the period of recovery after his operation.

"My husband and I want people to know how much we appreciated your support."