THE FAMILY of a three-month-old Wychbold girl who suffered a severe brain aneurysm are set to illuminate their home this Christmas in aid of the hospital which saved her life.

Born to parents Beth and Matt Berrey in August, little Eva was rushed into surgery at Birmingham Children's Hospital at just 12-days old, where doctors operated on a giant, tennis ball-sized, bulging blood vessel close to her brain.

A team of experts from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital inserted copper coils into Eva's skull to prevent the aneurysm bleeding again, but she will have to undergo regular scans throughout her life to monitor her condition.

Now Eva's great aunt Alison Battin is preparing to light up her home in Droitwich with a colourful array of Christmas decorations in aid of the Children's Hospital.

Mrs Berrey, 35, from Sheldon Close in Wychbold, said: "I knew something was wrong when I was pregnant, they thought it was a tumour. They discovered it was a giant aneurysm the size of a tennis ball - that was a shock in itself.

"It was really scary, the scariest thing I have ever gone through in my life.

"If she cries or if she is irritable I'm looking out all the time. They do not know what effects this could have on her long term.

"She seems to be doing really, really well - so far so good. She is smiley, trying to talk and following objects with her eyes. She is a very good little girl."

During Eva's surgery and later intensive care, Mr and Mrs Berrey were able to stay as close to their daughter as possible thanks to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

"That was amazing to have that facility," explained the first-time mum, who hopes to have more children in the future.

She continued: "It meant we got a decent night's kip. It is an emotional time going into hospital, let alone having your child undergoing surgery.

"To be honest I think it is just such an amazing hospital it was just incredible the amount of support they gave us.

"To know that your child is being looked after and is in a really fantastic facility that does put your mind at rest really."

Mrs Battin, who has put on the spectacular light show at her home in Birch Coppice for around four years to raise money for a variety of charities, said: "If it wasn't for Birmingham Children's Hospital's care then Eva wouldn't be here today. She will have a lifetime of scans and aftercare as we don't know what the future holds, but it is looking bright."

Along with the daily Christmas illuminations, which features eight inflatable festive figures and an impressive range of light displays, the Droitwich Community Choir will perform on Mrs Battin's driveway on Tuesday, December 8 to help boost fundraising.

"I just hope it doesn't rain," said Mrs Battin, who will be serving mulled wine, mince pies and soup on the evening. "But we have got gazebos at the ready."

The lights will go on on at 4 Birch Coppice on Tuesday, December 8 at 7.30pm along with a performance from the 30-strong choir.

From then on, the best times to see the display is from 4.30pm to around 11pm every evening until early in the New Year.

Mrs Berrey, whose aunt-in-law is Mrs Battin, added: "It is fantastic, Alison is amazing, all year round she is doing events. This is spectacular - you should see her garden - it's amazing."