WHEN Emma Francis was born brain-injured, she was not expected to live longer than a year.

But Emma has defied doctors' predictions and celebrated her 11th birthday with her pals at school.

Emma, who uses a wheelchair and cannot walk or talk, lives with her mum Linda, brother Trevor and sister Sarah in Whitendale Crescent, Blackburn, and she also has two step-brothers, Stephen and Billy Mitchell.

She attends Dame Evelyn Fox special school, Blackburn, and has been to Lourdes on three pilgrimages. Her family are convinced the trips have helped her.

Her mum said: "The doctors told us Emma wouldn't reach 12 months and I think she is a miracle. Someone suggested we should take her to Lourdes.

"She's been three times and each time we've prayed for our own little miracle."

Linda says looking after Emma is a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year job for her and the rest of the family - but they wouldn't have it any other way.

"It's hard work, but I don't even think about it, even though she's at the stage now where I can't leave her for a minute," Linda said.

"The doctors say I have done very well with her. We are told she will never walk or talk, but we believe she will.

"She's very popular and she's already vice-captain of her class. She loves school and sport and she has won medals for swimming.

"She's a lovely little girl, as good as gold. We're very hopeful for her future."

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