COURAGEOUS youngster Elizabeth Morris is to have her life-saving bone marrow transplant in the new year.

The news has been welcomed by Elizabeth's family who are now gearing themselves for a traditional Christmas at home before the operation

Elizabeth, who suffers from leukaemia, has only just returned home after two weeks in the North Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury.

The brave five-year-old had picked up a viral infection because of her low blood count.

Her mum, Janet, of Hollow Meadow, Ringley, said: "It was a long stay for Elizabeth this time. She was a little bit fed up and feeling very high spirited to be back at home.

"It is difficult to prevent Elizabeth from picking up these minor infections. But she is better now."

The close-knit family have been tirelessly campaigning for more donors to join the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register which contains volunteers who are willing to donate their bone marrow.

Janet added: "I know that we really wanted to have the transplant done quickly. But if we have a date set now, then Elizabeth will definitely still be in hospital for Christmas which wouldn't be very nice."

Elizabeth's plight has been closely followed by many people in the Bolton and Bury area after her familylaunched an exhaustive year long search for a bone marrow donor.

Her operation is now expected to go ahead in the new year.

Janet said: "It's was a relief when we realised that the operation would be the new year. It means Elizabeth will now definitely be at home for Christmas. We have nothing special planned -- just a Christmas spent with the family."