A BRAVE eleven-month old boy will be spending Christmas at his Orford home after overcoming successful heart surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Finley James underwent surgery to have a hole in his heart closed last month but has been enjoying his familiar surroundings since arriving back home.

After suffering from heart complications from just after his birth, Finley was diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) - a heart defect which causes abnormal blood flow among two of the major arteries connected to the heart.

The youngster had the hole in his heart closed last month and has also battled with a deformed windpipe but is set to be showered with gifts next week.

"He is doing so well and it makes me really proud of him," said mum Vicki Owens.

"We can't wait for Christmas - there is not any appointments coming up for a bit now so it will be nice.

"He is going to be a lucky boy and he has his birthday coming up in January so we will be getting him a bouncy castle for that."

A charity football match was held last month between 'The DolFinns' and 'Finntastic Fords', where family members and salesmen from Polar Ford Warrington came together to raise £2200.

Funds raised were donated to the intensive care unit of Alder Hey Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House - a charity providing free accommodation for families with children in hospital.

"Finley will be proud of everyone coming together to raise all of the money," said Vicki.

"I really want to thank my sister, mum, aunt, friends, family and everyone who is helping - it means a lot.

"Just having Finley at home is the best thing that could happen and makes everything better."

Having been home for two weeks, Finley is adapting to life but still needs to be supported by an oxygen device while asleep.

However, with Christmas around the corner and his birthday fast approaching, Finley is in for a well-deserved few weeks to remember.

"He will be going back to the hospital but for now we are just focusing on Christmas and making it special," added Vicki.