A FAMILY of five may not be able to spend Christmas with their youngest, baby Carson, this year.

Carson Jase Adams, from Highercroft, Blackburn, was born with congenital heart disease at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on September 11 last year.

Over the last 14 months Carson has had to spend most of his life in hospital because of his six heart conditions, which leave him breathless and needing oxygen support.

His mother, Amylee, was told about his illness when she was 20 weeks' pregnant, during a hospital scan, and was offered a termination by doctors.

The 33-year-old decided to keep her baby, although she was told Carson’s illness is incurable and he is only expected to live until 18.

Carson’s Christmas was brightened up ahead of schedule earlier this month as the family, the 14-month-old’s two sisters Lilly, nine, and Lexie, 11 and his mother and father, Christopher West, 32, won the Face of Christmas competition at The Mall, Blackburn, on December 1.

The five family members, who live in Lindisfarne Avenue, spent time together on December 25 last year but Amylee fears that Carson may have to spend his second Christmas away from their home this year.

The former UCLan student, who works as a dressmaker, said: “We do try and make the most of the time we do get together, that’s why winning this competition meant a lot to us to make some lovely memories.

“Last Christmas Day we spent time together as a family but I’m not as hopeful this year because Carson has been in hospital more regularly recently.

“Every time Carson goes into hospital Lexie and Lilly have to be looked after by my mother, Dee, and stepfather, Stephen North, and sometimes my sister, Cayla, while I move in the hospital with him. This can be very upsetting for the girls.

“The family do not know what the future holds for him and it breaks my heart watching him suffer.”

Carson’s family received over 100 nominations in the Mall’s festive competition.

Their prizes include a professional family photo shoot and an exclusive visit to Santa’s Workshop.

Mall general manger Loraine Jones said: “We launched our Family Face of Christmas competition to give something back to shoppers that support us all year round. There are so many people in the local community that face all kinds of challenges throughout the year and we feel Christmas should be a time to make special memories.

“There were lots of nominations and each and every one of them would have been a truly deserving winner. Amylee and her lovely family received an unprecedented amount of nominations and when we read her story we could clearly see why. 

“They are all so brave and despite everything they have been through they were so positive and happy.

“We had a fantastic time spending the day with them and taking pictures that we can use, not just over Christmas, but for the year ahead too. I hope they enjoy their new found fame.

“I would like to thank the Lancashire Telegraph, EPSL Educational Printing, Burger King and, of course, Father Christmas and his elves, for all their help."