Bethany so happy at birthday party

A Staffordshire toddler fighting for her life enjoyed a brief respite from hospital at the weekend as she celebrated her first birthday.

Bethany Dawson, who needs a liver and bowel transplant, was overwhelmed by well wishers on Saturday at a birthday party. Friends and family packed into her grandmother's house, in South Close, Cannock, where Bethany, who has had 12 operations since being born, enjoyed a bouncy castle and more presents than she could open.

Mum Nicky Summer, 21, said: "It was a fabulous day and Bethany was happy, happy, happy. She wouldn't stop smiling, it was great."

Yesterday, Bethany, who is a patient at Stafford Hospital, spent Father's Day with dad Tim Dawson at their home in Whinyates Rise, Cannock.

Her mum said: "Father's Day was really nice. Tim was really happy that he got to celebrate it with Bethany and her sister Caitlyn. It was a lovely weekend."

Last night, Bethany had to go back to hospital because she needs vital drugs to keep her alive and oxygen while she sleeps. She was born with a rare condition known as gastroschisis, where her bowels were on the outside of her body.

Doctors have repaired her bowels but the process has left her with life-threatening damage to her liver and bowel, and without a transplant she could die within three to 12 months.

Her parents want more people to register as donors, at www.uktransplant. org.uk or on 0845 606040.

Blood donors can register at www.blood.co.uk or on 08457 711711.