Santa's gift of memories for mum and dad of little Olivia

Olivia Wall, of Benton Way, Kimberworth, has been struggling with a rare genetic disease which makes her body reject food since she was born.

She is registered blind and was originally not expected to live more than six months.

But two weeks ago, doctors told her mum Alison (39) and Andrew (41) that there was nothing more they could do for Olivia and she could lose her life at any time.

Alison, said: “We were given just six months with Olivia when she was diagnosed and we’ve ended up with six wonderful years.

“Andrew and I have crammed as much as we could into that time and when we realised that she was unlikely to make Christmas we decided we’d bring it to her.

“Councillor Richard Russell is part of the Rotherham Lions and he arranged for them to come to the house with Santa’s sleigh.

“Our friends and neighbours helped us decorate the house. It was a truly magical night, one which provided us with memories of one last Christmas with Olivia . . . memories Andrew and I will never forget.”

Cllr Russell, who dressed as Santa for the evening, said: “It was an emotional night but the Lions were happy to help. It’s what we’re here for.”

Olivia suffers from Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorder, which was diagnosed at Great Ormond Street Children’s hospital in London.

Alison was keen to praise the support by family and friends as well as the medical teams at Great Ormond Street, Rotherham General Hospital and Bluebell Wood Hospice.

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