Toddler Sherielea James has a smile bright enough to light up the darkest of winter mornings as she recovers at home from a liver transplant.
Today her mum, Samantha, 29, revealed how the operation wasn't a moment too soon after doctors discovered a tumour weighing more than a quarter of her body weight.
Sherielea, two, of New Waverley Road, Noak Bridge, Basildon,was a typical energetic youngster, until she suddenly became lethargic in May.
I'm a survivor - Samantha James and Sherielea Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
Within a few weeks, Sherielea's stomach became swollen and hard. A six-pound tumour was revealed.
Sherielea went on a course of chemotherapy for four months to shrink the tumour.
And three days after her second birthday the record-breaking three-hour operation took place.
Amazingly, the operation could have taken 14 hours.
Published Monday November 4, 2002
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