A LITTLE girl who has undergone four operations is collecting toys for a children’s hospital.

Seven-year-old Isla Pearce decided to appeal for toy donations for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton to be given out on Christmas Day.

Isla, who lives in Ann Street, Brighton, has had four operations at the hospital this year for a weak vessel in her nose.

Her mother Claire Stone said she was incredibly proud of her daughter.

She said: “She’s given to charity in the past but this is bigger than anything she’s done before.

“I asked her if she wanted to do something charitable at Christmas and she said she wanted to give toys to the children in hospital to make them happy on Christmas Day.

“Her attitude at seven years old is amazing – she’s got so much empathy for her age, I think as she’s been through a lot.

“She’s resilient but having any operation at that age is still scary.”

Claire said Isla’s friends and parents at Goldstone Primary School in Hove have got involved and donated toys for the cause– or money for Isla and Claire to buy them.

So far they have collected two big bags of toys, as well as board games, puzzles, book and DVDs and will present them to the play centre on Thursday for the hospital to hand out at Christmas.

Claire said: “The toys have to be brand new due to hygiene reasons, and we’re looking for items for all different ages, as they also have a teenage ward.

“When Isla went in she took her own toys, but the hospital have been fantastic – the nurses there are amazing, so we are really happy to give something back.

“I admire Isla as she’s not got jealous at all.

“Her face has been lighting up at the toys and she keeps saying ‘Wow, look at them all’.

“She takes it in her stride.”