One year after being diagnosed with brain tumour it's a happy Christmas for toddler Amaya

These are the words of Manny Singh, who has praised Birmingham Children's Hospital for saving the life of his daughter Amaya last Christmas.

Three-year-old Amaya, from Wolverhampton, spent Christmas at the hospital after she started vomiting, not eating and being increasingly unsteady on her feet.

After seeing her right eye turn inwards, they went to their local GP on December 23, who then sent Amaya for a CT scan.

She was then rushed to the Children's Hospital at 2am on Christmas Day, where the Singhs were told Amaya had a brain tumour.

Manny said: "Finding out that Amaya had a brain tumour was completely heart-breaking, especially on a day that is supposed to be filled with such joy.

"However, the staff made us feel as comfortable as possible and made sure we were able to spend precious time together on Christmas Day.

"Amaya also woke up on the morning to a sack of presents on the end of her bed, which really made a big difference."

Amaya had a five-hour operation to remove the tumour two days later and then went through several months of gruelling radiotherapy.

Now, Amaya is back to how she was and although she still has regular check-ups at the hospital, she is able to do all the things a normal three-year-old does.

Manny offered his thanks to the Children's Hospital for all they did to help Amaya.

He said: "The team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital were truly brilliant and we will forever be indebted to them.

"Without a doubt, if it wasn’t for the efficiency and amazing work of the doctors, nurses and surgeons, our Christmas would’ve been very different."

Amaya was one of more than 180 patients who had to spend at least one night in the hospital over the festive period in 2018.

Miranda Williams, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: "Christmas is a time for family, sharing memories and making new ones, but unfortunately not all of our patients can make it home.

"Being in hospital can be distressing at any time of year but it can be even harder during the festive season.

"Our incredible staff go above and beyond to make sure our patients have the best Christmas possible, but it’s the generosity of our fantastic supporters that really helps us do more and make Christmas magical for our kids who are too poorly to be at home."

To donate to Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s Christmas Appeal, visit www.bch.org.uk/christmas or email fundraising@bch.org.uk.