Celine smiling after lifesaving op

A two-year-old described as a "little fighter" is recovering from an eight-hour liver transplant at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Celine Smith was first diagnosed with liver disease in October last year and was placed on the transplant waiting list in November. Mother Amanda Court, of Balton Court, Tipton, said at first doctors were baffled as to what was wrong with her. "At first they just thought she had some kind of blockage. Then she started to get really, really ill," said the 22-year-old.

"Then we found out that she would have to have a transplant. At one point she was pure yellow."

Amanda has now been told by doctors that the cause of Celine's liver disease is a rare cancer-like condition that could mean the youngster will have to undergo chemotherapy in the future. But she says despite everything Celine always has a smile on her face.

"She's always got a smile for you even though she has been really, really poorly," she said. "A part of me feels happy and glad that the transplant is over but we've still got the fear that her body may reject the liver."

The operation took place on Valentine's Day and Celine is recovering in the children's hospital. Celine is the only child of Amanda and partner Martin Smith.

Brave Celine's family are now rallying around to raise money for the hospital ward where she is being treated.

Celine's aunt Rebecca Court, 17, plans to shave her hair off at the Kings Arms in Great Bridge on Friday to raise funds.