Alexander is set for a sparkling Christmas

IT is the best Christmas present Alexander Muir and his family could hope for.

After months of staying in the Sick Kids, 13-year-old brain tumour sufferer Alexander looks like he will be home in time for the festivities. And the celebrations are kicking off early today when the youngster is allowed to leave his hospital bed to switch on the Christmas lights at Jenners.

His mother, Eira Muir, 43, a council finance worker, said that she and his father John, 45, and sisters Natalie, 20, and Rhianne, 18, are proud that Alexander has been chosen to light up the 9500 twinkling lights on the Christmas tree tonight.

Mrs Muir, from Musselburgh, said: "We only just found out on Friday so Alexander is really excited.

"The Sick Kids Friends' Foundation had invited him along but then got back to us and asked if he would he like to switch on the lights. They've been excellent and we're really grateful. It will make his Christmas. We can't wait to see him beam with pride."

Alexander was admitted to the Sick Kids' Hospital in February for a fifth brain operation to save his sight, but it left him unable to walk and with speech difficulties.

However, throughout the year the brave youngster insisted on keeping up with his classes, spending four days per week at Braidburn School, which provides additional support needs for pupils in the Capital, and one day at Musselburgh Grammar.

While his friends go home after classes, he returns to his hospital bed.

Eira said: "It's been such a tough year for Alexander - in February this year he started suffering from severe headaches which was affecting his eye sight, and they had to operate once more on him. Sadly, he's been left unable to walk and has damage to the brain. The doctors don't know if this is temporary, or not.

"He was diagnosed with a brain tumour at five and has undergone five brain operations. He's always bounced back, but this time it's affected him more severely.

"He's been in hospital for much of this year, but we're looking forward to bringing him home. The house has been adapted to help him get around so everything's going to be ready for him.

"He's stayed on going to school and insisted on keeping one day at Musselburgh Grammar. Alexander was worried he wouldn't see his teachers and friends again so he's stuck with it. He's been so brave and we're so proud of him."

She added: "He's not asked for anything for Christmas really, he just wants to get home. Although I think there will be quite a lot of playing the Wii on Christmas Day."

The imposing Norwegian Tree from the Buccleuch Estate in the Borders arrived in the Capital earlier this week.

Specialist aerial teams have been placing the 9500 twinkling lights on the tree.The lights will be switched on by Alexander at 6.30pm with his family by his side.

George Bell, general manager of Jenners, said: "The Christmas display in the grand hall attracts crowds of visitors every year, and we always work to create the wow factor with thousands of lights.

"We are delighted to have Alexander unveil the tree in all its glory this year."