A GAMBIAN boy who was brought to Britain for a heart operation seven years ago thanks to the generosity of the people of Okehampton, will celebrate his 13th birthday next month. Pa Modou came to Bristol Children?s Hospital, with his mother Therese, for the life-saving operation in December 1998. Christine Pleydell, who led fundraising effort to bring Pa Modou to Britain, now goes to the Gambia in November and February and on each visit spends time with Pa Modou and his family. Mrs Pleydell, said: ?The highlight of my visit is usually taking all the children to the beach for the day, this year there were nine of us! ?He is now very much a typical young boy and loves football.? Mrs Pleydell, who previously lived in Drewsteignton, but is now a resident of Padstow, first met Pa Modou, who was born with a hole in the heart, while holidaying in Gambia. She began fundraising to bring him to Britain through an appeal launched by an article in the Okehampton Times, and raised more than £12,500. Mrs Pleydell said Dr Njie, Pa Modou?s doctor was pleased with the boy?s progress, and was currently seeing him about once a month for check-ups. Mrs Pleydell said: ?I visit Pa Modou?s school as well and he had a good report in July 2004.? Mrs Pleydell pays Pa Modou?s school fees, which come to around £80 a year, which includes fees, books, school uniform, shoes and transport. ?I take some books for him from England and try to spend time with him and give him extra help. Most recently, we were doing the maths tables.? Back in 1998, Pa Modou?s father stayed behind in the Gambia to look after his five sisters. This time, Mrs Pleydell saw his father, who is now working again delivering fuel. ?He wanted to thank me again for what I did for Pa Modou. I would like to pass on his and the family?s thanks to all the people who made it possible to help Pa Modou. ?It is wonderful to see how he is progressing and what a lovely boy he is growing into and to think of all the people who helped me to make this possible. ?He still remembers his visit to England, especially the escalators, but Therese, his mother, mostly just remembers the cold! ?He now wants to come to England again and I have told him to do well at school and then maybe he could visit England in the future. I expect his sisters will want to come as well.?