A girl from Carterton who was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease at birth will turn 10 this month - a birthday her family feared they might never see.

Tamsin Burrows was born on September 24, 1996, in Germany, where her father Paul was stationed with the Royal Air Force. He now works at Brize Norton.

She was jaundiced from birth and did not seem to be gaining weight, so her concerned mother Debbie took her to the doctors during a visit back to England.

Tamsin was rushed to hospital where tests revealed that her liver was not functioning properly, and eventually she was diagnosed with biliary atresia, an incurable liver disease.

After enduring a serious operation aged just 11 weeks she was allowed home, where she recovered well. Although there is no cure, her condition is controlled through medication.

Now, nearly 10 years on, Tamsin is using her experiences to promote the work of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation, which fights childhood liver diseases by funding pioneering research and education.

Formed in 1980, it provides professional and emotional support to families affected, and is the only organisation of its kind in the UK.

Mr Burrows said: "It was devastating to be told that our child had this incurable liver disease that we'd never even heard of.

"We felt so alone - but we've since learned that two children like Tamsin are diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease every day in the UK, so there are thousands of families affected."

His wife added: "We met support officers from the charity during Tamsin's time in hospital, and they were a real lifeline, providing information, advice and support.

"They helped show there was a future for our family and it was great to know they understood what we were going through."

Tamsin, who loves playing the violin and reading, has asked for a microscope and skeleton model for her birthday as she is keen to be a liver specialist when she grows up.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation, said: "We are delighted that Tamsin is doing so well and wish her a very happy 10th birthday.

"Few people realise that more children are diagnosed with liver disease than childhood leukaemia and there are currently no cures, just a lifetime of care ahead."

For further information, visit www.childliverdisease.org or call 0121 2123839.