A Perfect Christmas for Mia

Two years ago Mia was like any other 20 year old girl ... beautiful, fun loving and busy, with lots and lots of friends ...her whole life ahead of her. Then she was struck down by a terrible stroke which left her in a coma for months ... and left her family and friends devastated. When she eventually came round she was paralysed and unable to communicate except with her eyes. She has locked-in syndrome. Eighteen months on she is finally home with her family .... all their lives changed forever.

Mia's wonderful friends entered the Sainsbury's Perfect Christmas competition on her behalf .... and won!!! And so a Perfect Christmas was delivered to our road ..... for Mia and her family, and everyone else in the road was invited too!

On Saturday morning the bottom end of the road was closed off  ....

... and during the day the Sainsbury's team transformed it into a

winter wonderland .... ready for the evening's festivities.

The houses were lit up and sparkled in the darkness

A beautiful tree was installed ...

Fake snow blowers were on hand to create the right atmosphere ... although the snow on the floor was our very own!

Carols were playing ... choirs were singing ...

A huge screen was showing Christmas classics ... children were dancing with the Snowman

There were even real live reindeer ..

... the sweetest little donkey

... and some beautiful owls.

... and of course lots of tasty nibbles and mulled wine!

Picnic tables were set out with lanterns (and patio heaters)

The evening concluded with the most fabulous firework display on the marshes ... it was truly amazing!

(At times like these I can see the limitations of my little camera!)

It was so big, they had had to inform Liverpool Airport!

Each family in the road was also given a wonderful hamper ... filled with lovely treats!

Mia was there too, in her specially adapted chair, surrounded by her wonderful family and friends ...

This is her Mum thanking everyone who made this evening possible.

And the star of the whole proceedings was Buster, their boxer, who was never too far away from the food!

He was King of the Road in his Christmas coat!

The whole evening was filmed and photographed ... so hopefully it will appear on TV somewhere in the last few days before Christmas.

It was a truly magical occasion ... one to be treasured for many years to come. It was so nice to see all our neighbours coming together ... and of course Mia, finally at home.

And a big, big thank you to Sainsbury's ... you were wonderful!!!!