Little Alice in recoveryland

Temuka's little battler has been discharged from hospital and could be back home early in the new year.

Alice Johnston, whose journey has captured the hearts of South Canterbury, was discharged from Auckland's Starship children's hospital yesterday, much to the delight of her mum and dad.

The six-month-old, who was born without a bile duct, underwent surgery in October, with her dad Mike Johnston donating part of his liver.

She was discharged from hospital on November 6 but readmitted after developing a biliary stricture, a common complication after having a liver transplant.

On Thursday she underwent a three-hour operation and has been recovering in hospital since.

Mum Kate Manson said the doctor was pleased with her progress since the bile stent was put in to repair the stricture, , a narrowing of the bile duct.

She said it was a relief to be back in their own space again because it was hard to sleep in hospital with it being so noisy.

"Mike and I also take turns being with Alice, so we don't see much of each other."

Alice has to stay in Auckland with her family to be available four days a week for blood tests and to check in at the outpatient clinic.

Miss Manson said it was still unknown when they would be back in Temuka but they hoped it would be mid January.

"The doctor told us that he was impressed with Alice's progress as they did expect more post-transplant complications due to how sick she was prior to the transplant.

"We are really hoping to be home in January."

The family would also like to say a big thanks to all the supporters who attended the quiz night and auction at the Harlequins Club on Friday night. The event attracted 21 teams and raised $5000.

"We want to say a big thanks to all the supporters who attended the quiz night, to the businesses and individuals who donated items and especially to Alice's uncle, Danny Johnston, and Jarrod Barker, who organised it," Miss Manson said.

"We can't thank you all enough."

Danny Johnston said the quiz night had gone very well and the auctioned items sold at good prices.

"It was a magic night, everyone really enjoyed themselves."

The donated prizes ranged from a heat pump to a one-hour scenic flight over Aoraki-Mt Cook, a rally car ride with New Zealand rally champion Hayden Paddon and a jetboat ride.

- © Fairfax NZ News