THE FAMILY of a four-year-old Wrexham girl battling a brain tumour have thanked the "amazing" people who helped make her early Christmas so special.

On the day of her third birthday, Aria Hodgkiss, from Rhostyllen, Wrexham, was tragically diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) - a tumour of the brain stem which is the deadliest form of childhood cancer.

She has bravely fought the aggressive tumour for a year and a half, but her family was recently given the devastating news that her tumour has grown again. 

For that reason, they held an early Christmas Day for Aria on November 12 - and people were invited to send her festive cards and gifts to her dad's workplace in Oswestry.

In total, she received 247 cards and around 30 presents - which took her nearly two hours to open. 

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Aria's mum, Melanie, said: "She loved every minute of the day, [we] have laughed and ate loads. We were so full after the Christmas dinner and of course the wonderful cake."

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She added: "We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made the day even more special. It was amazing to see Aria opening her gifts. It has meant the world that you have been so kind. She loved everything.

"We can only hope and pray that Aria can have a second Christmas next month. Thank you again. You are all amazing. Merry Christmas, Nadolig Llawen."

Border Counties Advertizer: Aria and mum, Melanie. Aria and mum, Melanie. (Image: Family photo)

Earlier this year, Aria went on her dream holiday to Disneyland Paris after people raised over £6,500 to fund it. 

And Wrexham AFC's star co-owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, each donated £10,000 towards her ongoing treatment. 

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