A COURAGEOUS four-year-old battling leukaemia is to get the Yuletide present of a lifetime - a meeting with Father Christmas in Lapland.

Little Sophie Worthington and her family have been through an agonizing ordeal since she was diagnosed with the disease two years ago.

But Sophie, of Bow Lane, Leyland, near Preston, has made good progress and was given the best-ever boost when chosen for the festive fun-packed trip.

Mum and dad Julie and Andy have watched and prayed while Sophie has undergone treatment, including intensive chemotherapy, in Manchester's Pendlebury hospital.

Julie said: "When we first found out two years ago we were distraught. There were lots of sleepless nights. We thought we were going to lose her.

"But this is the best Christmas present ever. There's nothing she deserves more after what she's been through. She can't wait to go."

Sophie was picked by Stockport-based charity When You Wish Upon A Star, after a recommendation from Pendlebury.

She jets off on December 10 with her mum - but there's only two tickets so sadly her dad and little sister Stephanie can't go.

Excited Sophie will receive gifts from Father Christmas and enjoy a ride in his sleigh before getting a certificate and medal as mementos.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to meeting Father Christmas. There's going to be a sleigh and snow. But I'll bring Stephanie a present back too."

Sophie has come to the end of two years' treatment and now only attends hospital in Manchester once a month. It will be three more years before she gets the all-clear.

Sophie's dad Andy is also celebrating after a charity cricket match he organised last year raised £1,500 for Pendlebury. He handed the cheque over to delighted hospital staff last week.

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