IT was a celebration tinged with sadness as four-year-old Joshua Wilson said farewell to nursery friends to begin life at the Highbank Rehabilitation centre.

Joshua, previously featured in the Bury Times, was diagnosed with a rare brain condition after developing a squint and double vision in February. The toddler underwent life-saving surgery in March to remove a tumour and cyst from his brain stem leaving him in a sleep-like coma.

The tot has attended Park Nursery, Pimhole Fold, since he was 12 weeks old but is now moving to the specialist neurological centre, Walmersley Road, to continue his path to recovery.

Friends and family marked the occasion with a party to celebrate his fourth birthday and present a cheque for £675 from their fund-raising efforts.

Joshua's young pals have spent their summer raising cash to help with the renovation of Joshua's home and the installation of a special lift to his bedroom. The toddlers held a Euro 2004 kick-off, along with raffles, and staff members organised a sponsored walk to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Pendlebury.

Mrs Jutta Law, owner of Park Nursery, said: "Joshua is coming back to visit so it was not a final goodbye but it was a lovely birthday party with a cake and singing, which Joshua tried to join in. I had not seen him for a few weeks and he has improved so much. He is still the cheeky chappy he always was."

Joshua's responsive coma means his body does not function but he is still aware of his surroundings. Although doctors have warned Joshua's family it may take up to two years for him to recover, the toddler is continually showing signs of improvement with increased movement, especially on the left hand side of his body, and has spoken his first words since the operation.