THE mum of a poorly three- year-old battling a life threatening heart condition has told of her fear over her daughter’s health.

Mel Mansfield, 31, of Brisbane House, in Tilbury, revealed her daughter Tayla, is fighting hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which means the left side of her heart has not fully developed – it occurs only four times in every 10,000 births.

Symptoms include, problems breathing, a pounding heart, weak pulse and bluish skin colour.

With no known cure for the condition, and the prospect of finding a heart donor proving very remote, Miss Mansfield also fears her council flat on the 11th floor of the tower block is impacting on her daughter’s health.

With concerns over her Tayla’s breathing, Miss Mansfield claims damp in the flat has been rife since moving in three years ago.

She said: “It has been very difficult, as there is no prognosis for her condition. She’s on nine different tablets which we can’t store in cupboards because of dampness.

“She has to be attached to a machine to assess her oxygen levels too, and I am sure the dampness is affecting that. At her worst she is unable to walk.

“There was one time when we had to call paramedics when she was struggling, who had to come up 22 flights of stairs because the lift was out of action. She has a life limiting condition so it’s important doctors can reach her quickly when it’s needed.

“This is why we think it’s better to be in a place which is more suited for her.

A Thurrock Council spokes - man said; “We continue to work hard on behalf of all residents and to resolve individual issues as quickly as possible. It would be inappropriate to comment on specific cases.