The Sick Children's Trust helps families of children in hospital. When Bethany was recovering from the life-saving operation in January, the charity housed her family at Eckersley House, the home-from-home it runs in the grounds of St James's Hospital, Leeds.

Each year the Thornhill family cover their home in Christmas lights to raise funds for the good cause. And the amount raised this time round bash has broken its record, at £1,034, which has now been passed to the charity.

Bethany's mum Sam said: "We would usually hand it in during January but of course we had the best reason in the world for it to be delayed this year!

"This is our highest annual total so far and donations can be made at any time through our website, www.christmasinthornhill.com.

"Each year we hope to beat the previous year's total – something which we achieved so far. Our total raised over the last three years is £2,705."