LIKE many other youngsters her age 10-year-old Kent youngster Megan Thompsett is hoping for a new mobile phone when she opens her presents on Christmas morning.

But unlike almost any other child, it will be the first time in her life that she and her family have spent the festive season tother at home.

For the last decade the Margate family have spent most of their time in hospital, beginning just minutes after Megan was born when her lungs collapsed and she was diagnosed with congenital heart defects.

Emergency heart surgery followed and she was five months old before she left hospital.

In and out of hospital for the next few years, Megan spent some time in school, but in July 2005, her family were told that she faced intestinal failure and had less than six months to live.

In September a suitable young donor became available and Megan underwent 16 hours of surgery to receive a new stomach, small bowel, colon, liver and pancreas.

There are only 17 living patients of the 26 people who have had this complicated procedure.

Her mother, Ashleigh, said: “She left hospital in February and has had a rough year but we are hopeful we can all be together at home for Christmas morning for the first time. “The last five weeks have been the longest time ever that she has not been in a hospital in her life.”

Megan, who takes 30 different types of medication a day and walks about attached to pumps and equipment carried on her back, does not believe she is a special case.

Her mother stressed: “She is so brave but she just gets on with life. Her immune system is depressed because of the volume of drugs she takes and she is at risk of infection so her life is one of isolation. She does keep in touch with people via the internet and a mobile phone. She wants a new phone for Christmas.”

Megan will be honoured at the Women’s Own Children of Courage ceremony at Westminster Abbey on December 13, with nine other brave youngsters.

They will also be guests of honour at a reception held at the House of Lords. Before the ceremony, the winners will attend a breakfast at Number 10 Downing Street hosted by Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife, Cherie.