A HAMPSHIRE girl’s Christmas dream has come true thanks to a children’s charity.

Halle Miles had her first operation at just two days old and has spent much of her young life in and out of hospital.

Just weeks ago she faced a gruelling procedure to remove a kidney – her 24th time in surgery in the five years she has been alive.

But Halle has beaten the odds and travelled to Lapland to meet Father Christmas.

Halle, from Bishop’s Waltham, was diagnosed with a rare bowel condition shortly after she was born. It has affected her hips, urinary system and digestion – meaning she can be housebound for weeks at a time and has had to have 24 operations so far.

But the Bishop’s Waltham Infant School pupil had a wish to discover where Santa lives – and thanks to charity Starlight Children’s Foundation, it has now been granted.

Mum Nicola, 38, from Victoria Road, Bishop’s Waltham, said it was touch and go if Halle would make it to Lapland as just over a month ago she had a five-hour operation at Southampton General Hospital.

She said: “She had surgery to remove a kidney before the trip and we were really worried she wasn’t going to be well enough.

“But her recovery was phenomenal – she was fantastic. I can’t describe the trip, it was just so lovely for Halle. It was just nice to take her away from her daily, struggling routine.

“She absolutely loves Christmas, loves the cold, snow and magic of Father Christmas.”

Halle also met former Blue Peter presenter Katy Hill, along with going on a sleigh ride and seeing Santa’s reindeer.

Her family says it has helped make a magical Christmas, even though Halle is expecting to have even more operations in the new year.

Dad Allen, 40, said: “Halle’s Lapland wish has given her weeks of excitement during a very tough time. “It’s given us all such a lift and Halle has loved all the wonderful activities and was so happy she found Santa.”