Watch: Little star Sara gets gorgeous Christmas cheer and gifts from pals at school

Sara Higgins had hoped to get back to school for her Christmas show but unfortunately couldn't make it — so the show came to her

Sara Higgins (5) was all smiles when she received a gift and special message from her school friends St Columba’s Girls' School in Douglas. Pictures: Chani Anderson

She's the little girl who went viral for her beaming smile and bravery this week and she was all set to meet her school pals at their Christmas concert today... but it all briefly became a bit too much. 

Sara Higgins, 5, became a star when her dad Kevin posted a picture of her outside Dublin's Temple Street Hospital. The Cork girl was heading home after major surgery for craniosynostosis.

Her mum Diane had explained that Sara was very keen to get back to school for her Christmas show on Friday — but when today came she had a 'wobble'. 

Sara Higgins with mum Diane. Her parents hope her determination, courage and pure Christmas Spirit will inspire others to donate blood this holiday season

"Once she was home from hospital she was saying she wanted to go back to school and we had thought maybe after Christmas but she was saying 'don't forget the show'. She was practicing and all but then this morning she had some nerves, a bit of a wobble."

Her pals at St Columba's Girls' National School in Douglas were all set to welcome her back but everyone totally understood and once there was a quick turnaround on the plans they sent their best wishes by video instead. 

And a gorgeous gift hamper for Sara managed to make its way to her in jig time. 

A gift and special message from Sara's school friends St Columba’s Girls' School in Douglas

"My parents had been coming to watch her in the concert so when we had the change of plans I called them and we met at Bean and Leaf in Douglas instead and Sara was thrilled to open her present there. It was lovely — teddies and colouring books and lots of things she'll love," said Diane. 

Sara Higgins last month before her most recent operation.

Sara has Muenke Syndrome which affects the growth of bones in her head. When she was just six months old she first had treatment for craniosynostosis with an operation that fits distractors to her head which are slowly turned to make gaps to help new bone grow. She was back at Temple Street recently for another similar procedure. 

Delighted to hear from her pals

"The team at Temple Street are just brilliant and it's amazing what they can do. It is so good that they are able to do this for her," said Diane.

And while Sara is enjoying being at home with her older siblings — big sister Hellie, 9, and big brother Marty, 7 — she does have to make another trip to Dublin after the weekend. 

"We are back to Temple Street for step-two of this procedure, they were adding bars to the back of her head and then they will be removed. Hopefully, this is just a day procedure anyway," said graphic designer Diane who runs Diane Higgins Design. 

Sara Higgins (5) with dad Kevin & mum Diane

Sara's parents are particularly keen to highlight blood donation now that so many people have seen Sara's gorgeous smile and are interested in her story. 

"Sara had one blood transfusion when she was a baby and she had two units this time around and it's just so important... we would love to encourage all people who can to donate," said Diane. 

Sara was discharged from Temple Street hospital this week after a major operation for craniosynostosis

Sara's own dad, Kevin, donates blood and Diane said it's always lovely to get the text message letting donors know that their donation has been used. 

For more information on blood donation