A dedicated mum from Ipswich will help poorly children celebrate the festive season this Christmas, thanks to her new project to donate toys to youngsters in hospital.

Jade Hutchings, 22, from Jovian Way, was inspired to start the project after her son, Oliver, had to spend last Christmas in Ipswich Hospital.

Oliver suffered from Vein of Galen malformation and Hyrdrocephalus fluid on the brain when he was just three months old, which caused his head to grow unusually quickly, and had to undergo a series of operations to relieve the pressure on his head.

Miss Hutchings said: “His head was just growing and growing, so he ended up having three operations. It was a very tough time.”

The first two operations which took place in November and December 2013 were so high risk that he was only given a one in three chance of survival. But the determined youngster pulled through, and following his operations at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, committed staff were able to get Oliver back to Ipswich Hospital on Christmas Eve, where he was able to spend Christmas with his family.

Now, Miss Hutchings has paid tribute to the healthcare staff who helped. She said: “They were fantastic, especially Great Ormond Street, I can’t praise them enough. He is doing really, really well. His mobility is getting better and he can take a little weight on his head now too.

“The reason I want to do the presents is because of what both hospitals did for him.”

Miss Hutchings is currently collecting toys and gifts from people donating for children in hospital this Christmas, and has already collected around 65 to be donated the week before Christmas.

Miss Hutchings added: “It was really nice to give something back, and it will be nice to go back there for a good reason.”

Those wishing to donate a toy can contact Jade hutchings on 07805 348083, or via Facebook.