INSPIRATIONAL youngster Terri Calvesbert is set for a return to the operating table next month.

INSPIRATIONAL youngster Terri Calvesbert is set for a return to the operating table next month.

Last year Terri had a rest from her eight years of intensive surgery, undergoing just one operation.

But now experts are keen to get on with her surgery and have big plans for 2007, helping to further transform the burns victim.

Terri, who suffered burns to 85per cent of her body when flames swept through her home in 1998, is going into the Broomfield Hospital, near Chelmsford, at the end of March for the second phase of an operation to create a thumb on her left hand.

Her surgeon has also indicated it may be time to perform a range of other procedures, including releasing tight skin on her arms to allow for growth, construction of her nose and work on her eyes, lips and breasts.

Father Paul, who lives with Terri and his fiancée Nicky Lowry at Shakespeare Road, said: “This is the first time for a long while they [hospital staff] have mentioned her face as they've been waiting for it to develop.

“They want to bring her eyes up and tighten the skin near her lip, as it's started to droop on one side.

“Last year was a bit of a rest year in terms of operations but this year is set to be far busier.

“Hospital has become her second home. I don't worry like I used to.”

Terri, ten, said: “I'm not worried about going into hospital. I know the doctors and nurses.

“I do miss my friends from school but last year they sent me cards and pictures which was nice.”

The Whitehouse Junior School pupil was in The Evening Star last Saturday after a television film crew came to Ipswich to film her for a mystery programme, to be aired at the end of March.

A Star appeal has raised more than £352,000 for Terri's future needs. Donations can be sent to The Terri Calvesbert Appeal, Editor's Secretary, 30 lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1AN.

Do you have a message of goodwill for Terri? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.