When John Cattran was just two days old, doctors said it was unlikely that he would survive.

Now, five years later, he has presented a cheque worth £10,000 to Cornwall Air Ambulance.

At the Cellar Charity Shop in Porthleven, John presented the cheque to the service that helped to save his life.

His mum, Jemma from Mullion, said: “Without them, it would have been very hard. They cut a half an hour journey into less than 10 minutes.

“We’re very grateful to have him here today.”

When John was born doctors had failed to notice that he had a closed aortic valve within his heart.

Two days later, he suffered a heart attack, leading to his parents calling an ambulance, with this quick thinking helping to save his life.

Two weeks later, a similar incident had occurred, and young John had collapsed again, forcing doctors to fit an artificial valve.

He became the second youngest child to be fitted with the valve.

John’s grandmother, Karen, works at The Cellar Charity Shop and the people there wanted to thank the air ambulance for its work on helping John to be the bright and happy child he is today.

Glen Chaplin, who runs the community church that owns the shop, said: “Our motto is helping people near and far.

“We have helped local schools, age concern and now have donated this to the people at the air ambulance.

“Just recently we have helped to fund the building of a home for 12 children in Myanmar.

“We’re always looking to help those that need it, and a special thanks to the Porthleven community for today (Thursday).”

Barry Galley, who accepted the donation on behalf of the air ambulance, said: “I’m lost for words. I didn’t expect this much.

“It’s amazing, I’d like to thank everyone from the local community for their generous donations, it’s brilliant.”