CHRISTMAS time. Children, presents, health and happiness - precious festive things the Tyndall family doesn't take for granted. Their lives were turned upside down when baby Fiona was born after a normal pregnancy. But as soon as Fiona was delivered all she did was scream night and day, says mother Karen Tyndall, of Meols.

At five months, baby Fiona was diagnosed as having Cerebal Atrophy, a smaller than normal, undeveloped brain. She had little vision, cried pitifully and could not be comforted.

It was a nightmare scenario, which drove the Tyndalls to periods of desperation and untold grief.

Their Christmas wish is for Claire House, the children's respite hospice, to be built and up and running as soon as possible.

Bravely, they allow the Globe to tell their story. Claire House will care for very sick children and help their families cope with the illness

Mrs Tyndall, husband Roy, aged 39, daughters Emma, 10, and Valerie, 7, love Fiona so very much. "Despite her disabilities Fiona has a wonderful personality and is a gift to our family. We look forward to Fiona spending time at Claire House. It is exhausting fulfilling her needs and finding time for our other girls. She is totally dependent and in a wheelchair. Families need many types of care, some home based and others in a secure friendly unit, which Claire House will provide," says Mrs Tyndall. Emma and Val go to Great Meols Primary School. Fiona, who is profoundly disabled, attends Elleray Park School, Wallasey.

We wish them a stress free, happy Christmas and invite readers to support the Claire House children's hospice appeal at Clatterbridge, phone 343-0883.

This Saturday evening, December 6, Manchester Boys Choir gives a concert for Claire House at Chester Cathedral. Tickets £6 from the appeal office or the Cathedral Shop 01244 -311586.

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