Girl's gift of life to baby sister

9:00am Friday 22nd December 2006

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A HAMPSHIRE family is preparing for an extra special Christmas after its own personal miracle.

Four-year-old Lauren Bailey has saved the life of baby sister Abigail - who will be one on Boxing Day - with a bone marrow donation.

Baby Abigail - who was diagnosed with leukaemia at just five months old - will now be celebrating Christmas with her family.

Both little girls have been honoured with special awards from Cancer Research UK in recognition of their bravery.

Little Abigail was given virtually no chance of survival before her life saving bone marrow transplant at a Bristol Children's Hospital in October.

Watching her smiling and playing with her toys in the Piam Brown Ward at Southampton General Hospital - where she returned after the operation - it is difficult to believe she has been through so much in her short life.

Abigail was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in June after lumps started appearing on her head and skin. She has since undergone three courses of chemotherapy.

Despite a five to 20 per cent chance of cure following the transplant, Abigail is making good progress.

Now Andrea and James Bailey, of Gosport, are looking forward to a happy Christmas with both their brave girls and their two-year-old son Taylor - even if it is at the hospital.

Full story in today's Daily Echo.