The parents of a young brain tumour victim proved British medical experts wrong when their daughter was saved by an American surgeon.

Holly Crisp, eight, of Writtle, Chelmsford, is back home having received a successful operation to remove a tumour on her brain - despite a British hospital saying she had no chance of survival.

Holly's mum and dad, Ray Crisp and Kathy Lakin, launched a campaign to raise £41,000 in order to take the youngster to New York after they tracked down a doctor on the internet who said he would carry out the life-saving op.

Before the money could be raised, Holly's condition deteriorated and it was clear time was running out for the youngster.

But Mr Crisp's brother arranged a loan and gave him the money so the family could fly out to New York University Medical Centre for the vital operation.

Holly first underwent surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital in January of last year after a lump the size of an orange was discovered on her brain.

"We first knew something was wrong when she had serious headaches, like migraines and started to vomit, then she had a tingling sensation down one side," said Mr Crisp.

But after removing 50 per cent of the tumour, doctors said there was nothing more that could be done.

"You cannot imagine the feeling when someone tells you that. I refused to believe it even when they told me I was clutching at straws.

"Holly is such a beautiful child, our first-born, and we were not going to just give up," he added.

After consultations with Dr Patrick Kelly at the New York University Medical Centre, the family flew out and on April 13 Holly underwent a five-hour operation which saw the removal of the tumour.

"To be honest I was totally in awe of the man. He said from all along that he would be able to operate on it but I was so relieved when he finally did," said Mr Crisp.

"He said to me 'I think we are going to prove those English doctors wrong, and he did," added Mr Crisp.

The couple, who have another daughter Lydia, 4, and a son, Douglas, 2, have repaid the loan through a number of fundraising events.

But they need to continue to raise cash for continued treatment of Holly as doctors have warned the tumour could recur at any time.

"She has been given the best chance now and the objective is to build on that and decide what is the best treatment for her from this point. I would also like to help other families in the same situation" said Mr Crisp.

Donations to the Holly Crisp appeal can be made at any Abbey National Branch with account number X12095588CRI. Credit card donations can be made by calling Mr Crisp on 0973 120549 or 01245 422625.

In New York - Holly relaxes with Dad Ray

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