YOU don't have to be a parent to sympathise with the anguish that everyone around little Ellie McAnish must have been feeling.

First there was all the worry that would inevitably accompany the knowledge that the two-year-old had been unable to hear from birth.

Then her parents were told that a cochlear implant operation could save Ellie from a lifetime of deafness.

The procedure would have to be carried out before she her fourth birthday, they were informed, but there was only funding for five such operations in a year - and Ellie was number six on the list.

We highlighted the agony faced by the family and you, our readers, reacted immediately and opened your hearts with offers of money and fund-raising efforts so she could have the operation privately.

Now, just as volunteers were about to meet to organise a cash campaign, mum Sara has been told that Ellie's cochlear implant WILL be carried out soon on the NHS and she will receive a letter of confirmation in a few days.

Health officials haven't explained why an enormous dark cloud over the McAnish family has suddenly been lifted.

But isn't it amazing how fast things happen when such a heartbreaking situation is made public!