THE best present little Aaron Nolan-Massey could receive this Christmas is to prevent the closure of the maternity unit in which he has spent nearly half of his short life.

The two-year-old spent the first 10 months in Fairfield Hospital's special care baby unit fighting for his life before being allowed home just before last Christmas.

And his family are supporting a campaign against plans by health chiefs to axe the hospital's maternity, childrens in-patient and neo-natal services.

Aaron became the units longest-staying patient before he was well enough to join his family at home in Glenvale Close, Radcliffe.

Born on December 6, 2003, at 29 weeks, he weighed just 2lbs 8oz.

Beset by one complication after another during the following months, he was cared for by teams at the special care baby unit and later in the childrens ward. He is still under the care of the hospital.

Mum Andrea said: "We were privileged to have the help and care of staff at Fairfield. It was Aarons home for half of his life. The best Christmas present babies like Aaron can have is for the unit to stay open."

Aaron has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and water on the brain. As well as attending the childrens outpatient clinic, he has had short stays in hospital.

"He has his up and downs but is slowly getting stronger," said Andrea, who has two other children, Sam, aged eight, and Shobana, aged 19.