A DAUGHTER has told how her mum is at risk of DROWNING in her sleep after developing a rare heart condition.

Julie Elliker's illness means she will be hospitalised if she strays three pounds overweight for three days in a row - and medics have told her it will eventually claim her life.

Daughter Zoe Dunsmore said: "Her body can't process liquids properly.

"It means effectively if things aren't quite right she could go to bed and drown."

Julie's life changed forever after she collapsed on Christmas Day with sudden heart failure.

Zoe, from Braeside Avenue in Largs, was by her side when tragedy struck at her home in Largs in 2014.

Ambulances rushed to their home and sped Julia to the Golden Jubilee Hospital, where the family waited to see if she would survive.

Whilst Julia pulled through, the devastating incident has changed all of their lives forever.

The 71-year-old now has to limit her water intake, has reduced mobility and is longer fit enough to watch her grandson Robert, nine, overnight.

Zoe said: "My mum's heart attack gave us all a shock.

"It had happened at 8pm on Christmas Day and is something I will never forget, it was completely out of the blue.

"The thing is that once your heart has been damaged there is little can be done to repair it.

"So ultimately one day mum will die from it.

"She now has to limit her liquid intake and has to weigh herself every day.

"If she goes over three pounds over for three consecutive days then she has to be rushed to the hospital.

"Her heart condition has affected how she processes liquids, it means she could go to bed and if she hasn't monitored it properly she could drown in her sleep.

"It also effects how much she can do in a day, as she gets tired a lot quicker."

The family have been determined to let other knows of the impact of heart disease and took part in the UK-wide Blooming Marvellous Sunflower Challenge, aimed at raising awareness.

They took second place after growing 9ft tall blooms at their home in Braeside Avenue.

Zoe said: "It's Robert who does all the work. We were delighted to be named runners-up - the rain in Largs must be good for them!

"It is a great thing to do every year because it raises awareness for an important cause. My mum also grew ones this year, so it is a nice family thing to do together as well.

"It is important to raise awareness because heart failure can effect anyone at any time.

"There is no real way of testing for it and often a heart attack is the first time you realise something is wrong.

"We are so thankful my mum is still here, but more people need to know about the causes and what can happen."

To find out more about the charity or how to take part in the challenge next year, visit www.pumpingmarvellous.org.