Cinderella grants wish for sick girl

The five-year-old, who attends Chatsworth Infant & Nursery School, was diagnosed with a brain abscess just before Christmas last year.

She has been in and out of the Great Ormond Street Hospital's Parrot ward ever since, undergoing four operations, but is now believed to be clear of the infection.

Jaya visited the panto with other youngsters from the hospital as part of the Theatres for Theatres appeal, which aims to raise £4 million for two children's operating theatres.

The Duffy fan, who loves singing and dancing, was also joined by her older brother Kavi, 6, mum Alka and dad John on the night.

"She really enjoyed it and didn't want to let go of Cinderella's hand at the end," said John, a 40-year-old solicitor.

"The staff at Great Ormond Street have been absolutely brilliant and made what's been a horrible time much more bearable."

• For more about Theatres to Theatres, and to donate, call 020 7239 3000 or visit www.gosh.org/theatres