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We can't believe he's still with us!
IT'S the most wonderful time of the year for most people – but this Christmas Day will be an extra special celebration for one Blackpool family.
Little Alfie Pritchard's family were devastated to be told in October the six-month-old, who was a patient at Brian House Children's Hospice, had just days to live.
His parents, Rosalind and Chris, made the heartbreaking decision to celebrate Christmas early with their beloved boy so they could spend just one festive season with him.
Staff at Brian House sprung into action to give 40 friends and family a huge Christmas dinner, complete with a tree, decorations, and presents for all the children.
But brave Alfie, now nine months, is still battling on and his family has transformed their North Shore home into a winter wonderland for the youngsters.
Mrs Pritchard, 33, from Cornwall Avenue, who has given up her job as a travel agent to care for her son, said: "It will be amazing to wake up and spend Christmas with Alfie.
"Hearing the news he wouldn't live past the weekend was horrible. Brian House pulled out all the stops, and the next day, October 9, they had bought presents for all the children, and allowed 40 of our family and friends to come for Christmas dinner.
"But this will be the real thing, something we never thought we'd have with Alfie."
The family have bought a giant tree, plus special ones each for Alfie and Ryan, his older brother.
The house is covered in tinsel and the living room fireplace turned into a snow scene.
Mrs Pritchard added: "I have had all the decorations up for more than a month, so Alfie could see them. Ryan and Alfie's trees have dozens of presents underneath them this year. We didn't hold back because when you don't know what's round the corner, you make sure everything is perfect.
"I started shopping in August, as it made Christmas seem sooner. He's got everything from clothes, including knitted jumpers from his grandma, and DVDs, to tiny Ugg boots and light up toys."
Ryan, nine, added: "I loved shopping for Alfie and I've got him toys and books, so I can read to him.
"I can't wait until Christmas Day to spend the day with everyone, and the house looks like a grotto."
As well as his immediate family, Alfie will be joined by all his cousins, aunties, uncles, grandparents and friends.
And, when Mrs Pritchard would normally be preparing the turkey, her mother, Margaret Richardson, will be doing all the work so she can enjoy the day with her sons.
Mr Pritchard, who was given compassionate leave from his Post Office job, but has now returned part-time, added: "We're having just about everyone we know over, as it's such a special time.
"We have had tremendous support. Alfie's been doing well but he's still poorly.
"Even though we might not have that long left together, he's made it to his very first Christmas, which will be one that none of us will ever forget."
n Alfie's brother Ryan is the face of our Gazette Eve Presents of Mind Appeal for Brian House.
The appeal asks readers to give their unwanted Christmas gifts, or other surplus items, for resale in Trinity Hospice’s charity shops, with every penny they raise going to caring for its youngest patients.
Find out how you can help in our Eve supplement on Tuesday.
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Weather for Pendle
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
