A heartwarming christmas story unfolded in Wiltshire last week when a seriously ill little girl got to meet the same Father Christmas she had met when she was a baby at hospital.

Four-year-old Isabella Chan, from Amesbury, was finally able to visit Santa's grotto this year after Father Christmas read about her story in the Journal and reached out to her.

He remembered Isabella from three years ago when he had visited Salisbury Hospital on Christmas Day, and sent an invite to the family to come to his Grotto for a special visit at the Durrington Fair earlier this month, December 11.

Father Christmas said : “We were absolutely delighted that Isabella was able to join us today and meet me in my grotto, something that she hasn’t been able to do before.

"She really is a lovely little girl and I understand from her Mum, Erica, that she really enjoyed herself.”

Single mum Erica discovered Isabella had a rare condition that causes chronic lung disease when she was just six months old, and Isabella spent the first year of her life between hospitals. 

Isabella was previously unable to visit a Santa’s Grotto because her mum was terrified that the oxygen she relies on may not last long enough for her to queue with all the other children.

This all changed last week when a mystery father christmas got in touch with Julia's House Children's Hospice, who support the family, to arrange a special grotto visit just for her. 

Julia’s House Nurse Molly Douglas, who provides respite care for the family at their home, visited Isabella and Erica shortly after their trip to Santa’s grotto.

She said: “Isabella was so excited to tell us she had met Father Christmas – she said it was awesome!

"It’s really amazing for Bella to have these opportunities and experiences, and to help get her excited for Christmas.

"It’s been a challenging year for them and so many other families, so it’s more important than ever right now that she has some happy times to enjoy with her mum.”

Julia’s House children’s hospice is a lifeline for families of the most seriously ill children across Wiltshire and Dorset.

The care provided by Julia’s House children’s hospice is almost entirely funded by donations, and you can learn more about Isabella's story and support local families at Christmas on the Julia's House website.

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