The Bristol family where every day is Christmas Day

The family of a terminally-ill Bristol teenager have been celebrating Christmas every day since the beginning of November in case she doesn't survive to see her favourite day of the year.

Paige Badman, 15, who could die at any moment, has the rare condition Pitt Hopkins disease, which affects the brain and causes breathing abnormalities.

She is also epileptic and a fit in her sleep could kill her at any moment.

She has never spoken or walked, and is fed through a tube in her stomach.

Her parents Rachael Lane and Leigh Badman, of Knowle, put the Christmas tree up in the first week of November and covered it in sparkly lights, bows, plenty of tinsel, and a fairy on top.

Paige spends hours sitting on the sofa staring at the flashing lights, and her parents say the stimulating tree seems to help her condition.

Ms Lane, 33, of Inns Court Drive, told the Bristol Evening Post: "She has totally deteriorated over the last few months. She can't eat or drink anymore, and her brain is shrinking. Her muscles are gone in her throat; she could choke on her saliva in her sleep.

"She needs a lumbar puncture to determine the fluid around her spine and brain. The doctors said her brain is like a 70-year-old's. She also has MRSA.

"With all her problems, we just thought: 'Let's get the Christmas tree up as soon as possible'.

"We're praying she lives to see Christmas day."

On a trip to Florida with her mum, dad, and brother, Kefton, eight, Paige enjoyed Christmas Day in May, with Christmas dinner, and lots of presents.

Mr Badman said: "She loves the lights; she just stares at them for hours. Apart from that she sleeps a lot, and loves watching Mamma Mia! over and over again."

Ms Lane added: "She loved her food. But now it is pumped into her stomach - she has milk in the day and water at night.

"She can't eat Christmas dinner this year. We all feel guilty eating around her. She loves the smells from the kitchen."

On the family's trip to Florida, thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation, Paige got to sit on Santa's knee.

She is looking forward to going to Charlton Farm Hospice, in Wraxall, which offers respite care, on December 21 for three days.

She is also going to a Christmas party held by the Jessie May Trust in Filton .

Paige, who loves being pampered and having her nails painted in bright colours, wants a pair of Ugg boots, and some Eternity perfume for Christmas.

"When people ask if we are looking forward to Christmas we say we are," said Ms Lane. "But we are always thinking: 'Is she going to be here?'

"Our best Christmas present ever would be having Paige at home with us on Christmas.

"Despite everything she goes through, she is always happy. She's so brave. She's mummy's little princess."