FATHER Christmas made it an extra special day for a brave little girl from Daisy Hill at the weekend.

He was the star guest at Amy Galvin's "special" Christmas -- a treat organised by the six-year-old's parents to make up for the fact that she missed Christmas 1999.

Amy missed the festivities because she was fighting for her life after undergoing surgery to remove a recurring brain tumour.

She spent Christmas Day at home with her family in France Street, but she was unable to walk or talk and was wired up to tubes.

And because Amy was so seriously ill it spoiled Christmas for the whole of the family, including sister Charlotte, aged four, and 19-month-old Matthew.

Amy first became sick when she was two, but the tumour was removed and her parents were told the chances of it recurring were negligible. Just months later, Amy was given the all clear, but then in November last year, she was struck down by a second tumour.

And this time complications after the operation set in, which threatened Amy's life and made her recovery much slower.

But all the turmoil of the last few months was forgotten on Saturday when Amy was joined by friends and family for a Christmas day to remember.

After a traditional family Christmas dinner -- turkey and all the trimmings -- Amy, Charlotte and Matthew were taken for a sleigh ride with Santa, in the guise of Alf Hayes from Avon Street, Leigh.

Poignantly, Alf was the nurse who cared for Amy as she recovered from the operation to remove the latest tumour.

And then the party moved over to the grounds of Amy's school, Eatock Primary, where she was joined by all 32 friends from Y1.

A number of businesses pitched in to support the party and the children were treated to false snow, a children's entertainer, the fire brigade's Welephant, and a fireworks display.

Mum Samantha said: "It was just like a normal Christmas day but the weather was a bit better.

"The children opened their presents in the morning and then we had a Christmas dinner. Amy really enjoyed it, especially the fireworks.

"It's the best Christmas ever and we would like to thank all the kind people who have helped make this extra special. It's been absolutely fantastic."

Amy's main present was a playhouse for the garden but instead of gifts guests made donations of £255 to the Sargent Cancer Care for Children charity and the family are requesting anyone moved by Amy's plight to contribute on 0208 7522800.

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