A mum says she is living in a nightmare as her young daughter battles a heart condition in intensive care.

Tiffany Smith’s world was turned upside down when Lily Diamond was sent to hospital after taking a turn for the worse a few weeks ago.

The youngster was described as being “always on the go at 90mph” before falling ill and needing an emergency transfer to the Royal Brompton Hospital last month.

Tiffany, of Roosevelt Avenue in Chatham, has been staying at the hospital with the two-year-old, and she is expected to remain there for another couple of months.

Lily has dilated cardiomyopathy – a type of heart muscle disease which causes the heart chambers to thin and stretch before growing large – and is in intensive care.

A fundraiser has been set up for the family to cover costs while the youngster is in hospital.

Speaking about the ordeal, 31-year-old Tiffany said: “She's been ill quite some time and I took her to the doctors three times and saw three different GPs.

“The first said she had a chest infection so we tried antibiotics, but that didn't work. I went back and they said it's probably bronchiolitis and we should 'ride it out' for a few weeks.

"I left and gave it another couple of days and she really deteriorated. She was lethargic, not eating, and wasn't herself.

“She lost all of her colour and had no energy - usually, she's buzzing around our house.

"The fundraiser has been so helpful with costs and stuff but unfortunately it gets paid in dribs and drabs and I've already used quite a bit of it already, so I'm very scared.

“It's Lily's birthday next week and I haven't ordered anything yet. It's all just to help us out. I'm spending a fortune on magazines and other bits to keep her entertained, food and drink."

"She's in intensive care so I can't leave. I can't go more than five or 10 minutes away. She could go into cardiac arrest at any minute and I feel terrified just going to the corner shop down the road.

“I can't leave, so I've not been able to go back home as it's so far.

“I've not been able to leave or see my other children, it's been a nightmare which is carrying on."

Friend Vikki Young said: “Firstly, Lil is honestly the sweetest, funniest, most beautiful little girl. Honestly, her smile and laugh are so contagious and we adore her.

“But unfortunately she has just been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy which is a heart disease. She was poorly for a while.

“Eventually, medical staff listened and she was sent to PICU at the Royal Brompton Hospital where they have been for a few weeks. I know first-hand how heartbreaking and absolutely devastating this is.

“A lovely lady has set up a fundraiser to help get Lily and Tiffany bits that they need as they are looking at a long stay there until they can get Lily's condition under control.

“Hospitals cost so much money – food you try to get for your poorly baby, feeding yourself, bills still coming in. Life doesn't stop even though your whole world has.”

On Thursday, Lily was moved to the high-dependency unit and is currently stable.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.