A LITTLE girl who was looking forward to a white Christmas slept through the entire festive season after suffering a massive seizure.

Seven-year-old Isabella, was placed in an induced coma to help her recover from the latest in a series of seizures caused by severe epilepsy.

But her family are determined she will get her wish for a snowy Christmas - now all they need is a snow machine.

Isabella, a pupil of Winchelsea School in Poole, was in a coma from December 17 until Christmas Day at Southampton Hospital's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

She was moved to a neurological ward on December 28 and her family hope she will return to her Poole home with her mum, Abbie, next week.

Her grandmother, Allison Benson, told the Daily Echo: "Isabella would be so upset if she knew she had missed Christmas so we've told her she will be coming home on Christmas Eve.

"It would be fantastic if we could make it look like it's been snowing when she wakes up in the morning - it's all she's been talking about. We don't want her to miss out on Christmas."

Allison said Isabella was in full health until she was four years and nine months old when she developed aggressive refractory epilepsy.

She was a pupil at Twin Sails School in Hamworthy but now has high medical needs and learning disabilities. She and Abbie, 26, have recently moved home to be closer to Winchelsea School.

Isabella's condition cannot be controlled by medication and this year alone she has been admitted to Southampton Hospital on six occasions.

Allison added: "Isabella has tried all NHS medication for her epilepsy, but there has been no management of her seizures. Life is very restrictive due to the unpredictable life threatening clusters she experiences.

"Abbie is a single mother, who is an amazing mum to Isabella. All she wants is to make Isabella happy when she is well at home.

"Abbie does all she can to make sure Isabella has a much fun and happiness as possible when she is well, but they cannot go on holidays or too far from home because you never know when she will need to be hospitalised.

"Despite a twice daily drug regime Isabella's condition remains unpredictable and aggressive.

Due to Isabella's complex health needs and learning needs she now attends Winchelsea School. Her attendance is inconsistent due to her hospital admissions, but as with everything in her life, when well Isabella gives 100 per cent, smiles, laughs and has a wicked sense of humour."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact jane.reader@bournemouthecho.co.uk