Brave two-year-old Drew was recovering from major surgery when he thought he would miss out on a Christmas visit from Santa – that was until he arrived on his hospital ward with a present and a high five.

Ely Standard: Santa pays special visit to toddler from Littleport at Addenbrooke’s Hospital after major operation. Picture: GEMMA SMARTSanta pays special visit to toddler from Littleport at Addenbrooke’s Hospital after major operation. Picture: GEMMA SMART (Image: Archant)

Drew Smart, from Littleport, had undergone extensive bowel surgery to reverse a colostomy just four days before the Addenbrooke’s Bikers Christmas Toy Run.

Still in hospital, mum Gemma wasn’t expecting any of the bikers – or main man Santa himself – to come up from outside and see him.

But Santa sneaked in and brought a smile to Drew’s face.

Gemma explained: “Drew was in hospital for 10 days in total.

Ely Standard: Santa pays special visit to toddler from Littleport at Addenbrooke’s Hospital after major operation. Picture: GEMMA SMARTSanta pays special visit to toddler from Littleport at Addenbrooke’s Hospital after major operation. Picture: GEMMA SMART (Image: Archant)

“On the Sunday the bikers came and did the toy run, but we knew we wouldn’t be able to get downstairs and see them because Drew still had lots of tubes and wires on him.

“But then when Santa appeared upstairs it was wonderful, Drew knew who he was and smiled and he gave him a high five. I was so happy.

“We were worried that being in hospital during the festive season we would miss out on the little things like that.”

Drew was discharged earlier this week, but over the past two years Drew has been a regular at Addenbrooke’s, undergoing tests, scans and operations – this being his fourth visit this year.

At just a few days old, he underwent emergency surgery to fit a stoma and colostomy bag after being diagnosed with colonic atresia, where the colon hasn’t formed correctly and results in a very rare type of obstruction in the intestines.

Six months later, Drew was readmitted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for his stoma to be reversed.

The operation seemed a success, but Drew soon took a turn for the worse becoming increasingly unwell, losing a lot of blood.

Drew spent nine weeks in hospital before he was finally able to go home.

Last year, Gemma even took part in a charity skydive to say thank you to The Sick Children’s Trust after her and husband Rob were able to stay at Acorn House while Drew was so poorly.

“The nurses said it was one of the worst cases they had seen in a long time,” Gemma added.

“Thankfully [the operation] this time was a success and we are so happy to be home for Christmas

“It was a bit more difficult as Drew being older now knew what was happening more, but for the past year he has lived as normal a life as possible and has been so resilient.

“If I had all the money in the world I would give it to all of the nurses and doctors for their help and support.

“I am just so thankful.”