A LITTLE girl who is kept alive by daily doses of Viagra has been handed a final lifeline by one of the world's top surgeons.

Jessica Findlay takes the anti impotence drug eight times a day to keep her circulation going and ease the strain on her heart.

The brave four-year-old is constantly fighting for survival after being struck down by a disease so rare it did not have a name.

In the last month Jessica's condition has worsened leaving her devoted mum Rachel, 25, terrified that she is about to lose her daughter.

Rachel who is Jessica's full-time carer, has even planned her daughter's funeral.

But the devastated mum now feels her prayers have been answered after a top American doctor famed for saving the lives of seriously ill children contacted her offering help.

Now the Findlay family are planning to travel from their home in Troon, Ayrshire, to Alabama in the US to meet Dr Christopher Knott-Craig, one of the world's leading pediatric cardiac surgeons.

She said: "Jessica's health has really taken a turn for the worse.

"Although I have always been told that Jessica could die at any time I am terrified at the thought.

"That's why I have planned her funeral. I want it to be perfect but I know that I will be a wreck when she dies and won't be able to prepare anything.

"I couldn't believe it when I was contacted by Dr Knott-Craig.

"Incredibly he read about Jessica's condition online after a complete stranger in the US emailed him the story.

"He then contacted us out of the blue saying he wanted to help.

"I burst into tears after speaking him. I am under no illusions. I know it is a risky procedure and I know it will not cure her.

"But if it is a success it will keep her with me for a while longer and that's all I can hope for.

"I'm not ready for her to die and she will soon if something isn't done.

"All the family are praying that the operation works and Jessica can have a comfortable life for a while longer."

South African born Dr Christopher Knott-Craig is the Chief of Pediatric Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

He has appeared on American television and was dubbed the 'miracle doctor' after his success in rebuilding newborn's hearts.

Speaking last night from Birmingham, Alabama, he said: "A lady called Bonnie Fountain who lives here in Alabama saw an article on Jessica and forwarded it to my assistant.

"I reviewed the data and of course I wanted to help this little girl.

"We are often faced with difficult sometimes impossible situations and can find a way to overcome the obstacles.

"I am still awaiting further information on Jessica but I may be able to rebuild the arteries to her lungs.

"This should significantly improve her quality of life."

Jessica was diagnosed with the rare genetic condition after collapsing at home in Troon, Ayrshire, at 18 months old.

As the arteries in her heart and lungs narrowed, baffled medics searched for a treatment which would keep blood pumping around her body.

The disorder is so rare that it has only recently been named by doctors as severe multiple bilateral pulmonary stenosis.

Only one other child in the UK is known to suffer from the condition, which more commonly affects only one side of the heart.

The severity of Jessica's case means that she is left out of breath and weak and has to spend time resting when she could be playing with pals.

She has undergone six operations at the Sick Kids Hospital at Yorkhill, Glasgow, to insert balloons and stents into her arteries to prevent them from closing.

Mrs Findlay added: "Jessica has had a difficult life but she deals with everything so well.

"She loves nursery and is always smiling.

"It's especially difficult at nights when she is not well because I'll lie in bed with her and she'll ask me to make her better and as a mum you should be able to say 'I'll do that' but I can't.

"I know there is nothing I can do to help her or to make her feel better.

"Travelling to America is the only chance she has and I am determined to give it to her.

"It is going to be expensive but hopefully I will be able to raise the money."

Read about Jessica's fight for life on her website: www.jess.look2.co.uk