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A TERMINALLY ill child has had her wish of a sparkling Christmas ruined by vandals.
Jamie-Leigh Harrington suffers from Lymphangiomatosis and may not live to see another Christmas, so mum Lisa Heritage was determined to make this year magical and set about decorating the outside of their Gravesend home.
But Jamie-Leigh’s Christmas wish has been shattered after vandals destroyed the festive display adorning their home in The Fairway.
Jamie-Leigh, who turned 11 today, woke up on Monday to find the light cables cut and inflatables stolen.
Mum Lisa, 38, could not believe someone has destroyed her daughter’s dream.
"We don’t know how long she has got.
2We just wanted to make what could be her last Christmas special, and give her something to look forward to," she said. "I don’t know if we can afford to replace them."
Jamie-Leigh has the rare and life-limiting disease Lymphangiomatosis, which affects her lungs and bones.
Before the disease stuck in September 2006, she led a normal life, enjoying school at Shears Green Junior, horse riding and dancing, but Jamie-Leigh now weighs a frail three stone and has spent much of her time undergoing treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The family came close to losing her earlier in the year, but Jamie-Leigh defied all the odds and won a commendation for her courage at the Ward & Partners Child of Achievement awards in October.
Jamie-Leigh said: "I was really looking forward to Christmas, but this has made me really sad. I just want the lights to be put back up."
If you would like to get involved or make a donation to help Jamie-Leigh get back her Christmas lights back, telephone the Gravesend Messenger on 01474 564327, email gravesend messenger@thekmgroup.co.uk or visit the office at 7 High Street, Gravesend.