THIS Christmas will be a special one for a little girl who has returned from the USA after undergoing a life-changing operation.

Susanna Petersburska, who has cerebral palsy, underwent the pioneering procedure in St Louis to help her eventually walk unaided.

The five-year-old has returned home to Eccleston with her family after a five-week stay, and is already making remarkable progress.

With help from Star readers and restaurant chain Frankie and Benny’s, who held a weekend of fundraising for Susanna, the cash target needed to fund the trip was smashed.

One of Susanna’s first jobs when she returned home was to make her own Christmas card, thanking all those who helped make her dream come true.

Read Thursday's Star for an exclusive interview with the family.