The family of a seven-year-old boy who may have to spend Christmas in hospital have raised hundreds of pounds to buy ill children presents.

Eastern Daily Press: Monty ,7, might have to spend Christmas in hospital after a knee infection. Picture: Leanne PardonMonty ,7, might have to spend Christmas in hospital after a knee infection. Picture: Leanne Pardon (Image: Archant)

Monty Von-Hunneke Gedge, from Costessey, was taken to the A&E department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) on Saturday, December 14 after knee pain left him unable to straighten his leg.

He was operated on immediately to drain fluid around the knee, while a sample was sent to a laboratory, which determined he had been suffering from a staph infection.

Eastern Daily Press: Family and friends have raised £810 for the Buxton Ward at the NNUH. Picture: Leanne PardonFamily and friends have raised £810 for the Buxton Ward at the NNUH. Picture: Leanne Pardon (Image: Archant)

Monty had a second operation on Wednesday, December 18, and is on a course of intravenous antibiotics four times a day for the next seven to 10 days.

Doctors said he might not be home for Christmas.

His father, Paul Gedge, 35, said: "It was horrendous when we found out and Monty was in a lot of pain. We had planned to have a big Christmas this year, with reindeers, mince pies - the works. We were gutted when we were told that Monty might not be able to spend Christmas with us.

"We will be told on Christmas Eve if he can be discharged."

But the funeral director said Monty had been incredible and not let anything dampen his spirits.

He added: "He has been poked and prodded with needles, which is everything you don't want your child to go through. Monty has dealt with everything so well and is just a little trooper.

"He has currently got a mini zimmer frame and has been whizzing around the ward."

Now Mr Gedge has rallied around the Buxton Ward at the NNUH to raise money for presents for ill children who will spend Christmas in hospital.

He set up a Whatsapp group and asked contacts to donate, raising £810 in 48 hours.

Mr Gedge said: "We realised how lucky Monty was as he has had his mum or dad stay with him every night in the hospital, whereas some children for whatever reason don't have that."

On Boxing Day, they will hand out the gifts based on a wish list from the NNUH, which includes Nintendo Switches, a DAB radio, a Playstation controller and fidgets.

To donate contact www.finenorwich.co.uk