EVERY parent feels a surge of pride as they wave off their child to their first day at school in September.

But, for Holly Manfredi’s family, the momentous occasion this year had special significance.

Just three months earlier, doctors had taken her parents aside and said their five-year-old was unlikely to last the night.

However, she is now back with her family in Didcot and living life to the full at Stephen Freeman Primary School.

Mum Donna, 33, said: “In May, Holly just got a normal cold and a bit of a cough. It gradually got worse, so we decided to take her to hospital.

“They said they had put her on a drip to make sure she was getting enough fluids.

“From there, she just deteriorated. And before we could even think, she was in intensive care.

“My mind was racing, we didn’t know what it was. I was absolutely broken.”

Holly was diagnosed with encephalitis, a rare swelling of the brain caused by infection. About 4,000 cases are recorded in the UK each year.

Mrs Manfredi said: “It was horrific. We got taken into a little room and told to fear for the worst.

“They said there was only a very slight chance she was going to live through it.”

But, despite all predictions, and thanks to staff at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, Holly pulled through.

She spent a month in hospital before returning home at the end of June.

Mrs Manfredi said: “She was so strong, she is so little but she managed to beat it. It was amazing.

“Without the doctors and nurses at the John Radcliffe, she would not be here and we are so thankful,” she added.

Helped along by her dad Lee, 32, and 10-year-old brother Lewis, Holly has recovered so much she was able to start school next year.

Mrs Manfredi said: “It was especially difficult for Lewis, but we could not have got through the last few months without him.

“He was at hospital with her all the time, getting into bed with her to help her sleep. They are both getting back to their old selves now.”

She added: “Holly has had to learn everything again, her memory came back gradually.

“But she is a very strong little girl. She is very shy, but she has got a great sense of humour.”

Eleven family friends will ride 22 miles on childrens’ BMX bikes next month to raise money for the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The ride on November 12 will start at Malvern Close in Didcot at 10am and travel through Milton Village, Drayton and Abingdon to the John Radcliffe.

l To sponsor the riders, visit justgiving.com/manfredibikeride or text OXHM55 to 70070.