WHEN Abbygail Gaskell's young life hung by a thread last year she was saved by what her family describe as the 'miraculous care' of doctors.

Now, Abby (above) has returned to the hospital where she pulled through to give her everlasting thanks to staff and a £1,020 cheque to boot.

The 11-year-old suffered a sudden brain haemorrhage last September. She underwent emergency treatment at Whiston Hospital, Walton Neurology Centre, where she needed brain surgery and spent a fortnight in intensive care. Months of recovery followed at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Abby, who lives with parents Denise and Paul at Reeds Brow, Rainford, is continuing her recovery and went over to Walton to present the money. The fund had been raised by grandparents Frank and Audrey Rigby at a charity night in Rainford Ex-Services Club.

They said: "We wanted to try and repay the debt we all owe to the staff there for saving Abby's life.

"Abby is doing well now and is looking forward to going to her new school, Rainford High in September just a year after life-threatening surgery. We would like to thank Mr Malucci and his dedicated team for this miracle.

"Also thanks to all the people and the artists who helped to raise this amount of money."