GINNIA Roberts has been in a coma for more than four years. But her mother Sue, who provides round-the-clock care for her 13 year-old daughter, has never given up. Sue Bury tells Karen Stephen her amazing story of hope and courage.

SUE Bury puts on her daughter's make-up, makes sure she is dressed in trendy clothes and takes her out on a town centre shopping spree. When they return home they may listen to the girl's favourite Westlife CD. Yet the near 14-year-old knows nothing about any of this.

For, on January 13, 2001, Ginnia Roberts slipped into a coma and she is still 'asleep', unaware of her mother's round-the-clock efforts on her behalf.

While Ginnia remains in her twilight world, her specially constructed room is a hive of activity, as Sue has continued to treat her daughter as if she were still conscious and mobile. She talks to her throughout the day as if she can hear and understand, and has continued to take her on shopping trips, meals out and days in the park - all in the hope that one day Ginnia might open her eyes and say "mum".

"She always loved her clothes and play make-up," smiles Sue. "So I make sure I keep her looking trendy. I take her shopping into town or to the Trafford Centre and, while I know she can't pick clothes for herself, I always chat with her as though she understands.

"I discuss colours and styles and show her different things. I always put a bit of make-up on her when we go out. She is a teenager after all - any young girl wants to look good and I don't want Ginnia to be an exception."

Sue has obviously made an effort on her daughter's behalf today.

Ginnia is wearing a glitter pink T-shirt, matching trousers and contrasting sparkly make-up. Because it's a sunny day, she must wear dark glasses to prevent the glare hurting her eyes.

The shelves in her room are stocked with DVDs - Shrek, Barbie - "I play them for her every day," says Sue, "and we both love listening to Westlife. That was always Ginnia's favourite band."

Most of Sue's work though is necessary to keep Ginnia alive. Because Ginnia cannot breathe through her nose, she does so with the help of a tracheotomy, something Sue expertly changes within a second.

Sue also bathes her on a daily basis with the help of a carer, which she admits is hard work. "It takes at least two of us," she says, "because she has got so tall and heavy."

Three years prior to falling into the coma, Ginnia had been diagnosed with Polyarteritis Nodosa, a disorder affecting blood vessels leading to the brain. The coma was the after-effect of a massive brain bleed.

Ginnia spent the following two years in the Royal Bolton Hospital before returning home to her devoted mum Sue on October 1, 2002.

And now, as Mother's Day approaches, 51-year-old Sue says she desperately misses the cuddles and laughs they used to share.

Sunday will mark another year that Sue knows she won't be receiving a hand-picked card from her daughter.

One consolation is that at least Sue has Ginnia at home with her.

She battled for her to return to their Crompton Way house after Ginnia's long stay in hospital.

"The staff really looked after Ginnia well when she was in hospital," says Sue, "but I wanted to have her at home with me as soon as I could."

Sue is well aware that some people wonder why she takes the time to talk to Ginnia when she doesn't know if her daughter can hear anything.

"Of course I don't know if she can hear me," she says, "but there's a glimmer of hope that she can - and where there's hope, there's life, isn't there?"

The last statement has become something of a mantra to Sue who says she has gained inspiration from a recent Channel 4 television programme.

Bodyshock featured American Terry Wallis who "awoke" from a coma after 19 years.

Doctors believed his recovery was due to his family talking to him and taking him on family trips and outings.

Sue said: "I heard about this man in America who had spent 19 years in a coma and one day he just started to speak.

"Doctors told his family that his recovery might be due in part to his family talking to him constantly and taking him out at weekends and special occasions.

"They obviously never gave up, and neither will I."

Sue remembers the night Ginnia fell into a coma.

She says: "I remember it like it was yesterday.

"Ginnia had gone to bed and woke up around 2am complaining of a headache.

"She got out of bed and collapsed and that was it .

"She has never come round since then. She is in a constant vegetative state."

So what lies ahead? Sue is heartbreakingly frank about what the coming years may hold.

"She may never recover, she may have another massive bleed and die, who knows?"

But one thing remains incontestable and that is Sue's determination that Ginnia should lead as "normal" a life as possible.

"She goes to school a couple of afternoons a week, she goes swimming, trampolining and we are planning a short holiday later this year, in the summer, when it's warm.

"We'll have days out, picnics and barbecues, just like any teenager."

In spite of her incredibly positive attitude, Sue admits things are getting harder as Ginnia gets older.

She's on her own with her daughter and admits to feeling isolated.

"I miss my daughter so much.

"I miss grabbing hold of her as she runs past and cuddling her.

"Most of all though, I miss her cuddling me."