A SCHOOLBOY from Clayton-le-Moors will undergo a life or death operation later today.

Surgeon's at Manchester Hope House Hospital will be attempting to remove a blood clot from David Astbury's brain in a delicate operation.

The 10-year-old from Pickup Street became seriously ill from the condition late last year.

David's mum Amanda, aged 27, has travelled to Manchester with David and plans to stay at his bedside over the next few days.

If all goes to plan the plucky youngster will be moved on to the Manchester's Royal Children's Hospital in Pendlebury.

David collapsed in class at Mount Pleasant primary school late last December and was rushed to hospital with suspected meningitis.

But doctors later discovered he had suffered a major brain haemorrhage and he was kept in intensive care for three weeks.

The national charity Drive-a-Dream with help of Granadaland Ford Dealers organised a special day-out for the brave youngster to give him a boost before his operation.

David was taken on a VIP day-out to see the spectacular Moscow State Circus in Southport.

The Astbury family were given ringside seats and after the show a dream for David came true when his name was called out and ringmaster Chris Barltrop presented him with a Cocker Spaniel puppy.

Amanda Astbury said: "David knew nothing about going to the Moscow State Circus, let alone he was going to receive his dream gift of a puppy.

"He had a wonderful day and hopefully the joy of receiving a puppy will help him to pull through his forthcoming operation."

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