LITTLE Aiya Steers-Mumtaz was just three and living with cancer when Father Christmas arrived to give her a present in hospital – and it is a day she will never forget.
She is one of hundreds of children nationwide who has received gifts thanks to donations from YOU, our loyal army of readers.
And today we are asking for your help once again, by buying the Christmas cards designed by readers’ children so we can deliver more presents to kids staying in hospital this festive season.
As part of our Christmas Cards for Kids campaign — run in partnership with Children With Cancer UK — you can find them on sale in store at The Entertainer and at the website thetoyshop.com.
Aiya, now eight, was receiving treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital when Santa brought her a gift — and she threw her arms around his neck.
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Her mum, Amira Steers, 42, said: “It is amazing for the children but also great for the parents.
"Aiya was so poorly I didn’t go shopping.
"All I wanted to do was be by her side.
“When The Sun on Sunday organised presents it was amazing.
“You don’t know if this Christmas will be their last.
“Then Santa came along and Aiya’s little face lit up.
"She was pulling at his beard.
"That is a moment neither of us will ever forget.
"I urge your readers to buy The Sun on Sunday’s cards to donate to this appeal.
"This gift was priceless.”
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Aiya was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in January 2017.
She has now been in remission for four years and is well enough to attend school.
Amira, from Birmingham, also mum to Zain, 13, said: “When people who know how poorly she was see her now they can’t believe it.
"We now cherish every moment and every Christmas because these moments are precious.”
Strictly star Shirley Ballas has backed our campaign.
She said: “I would like to visit those children in hospital.
"Encouraging children to draw these cards then selling them is a fantastic idea to raise money and I hope lots get sold.”
McFly pop star Tom Fletcher, 38, also supported us.
He said: “This incredible campaign will make a massive difference to young children with cancer and their families.
“I urge all Sun on Sunday readers to buy a pack of the Christmas cards that youngsters have created and back this really worthy cause.”
