A GATLEY family is finally looking forward to a normal Christmas after three ‘shocking’ years.

The Aslams are planning to enjoy a festive time, following a tough period which began when young Ifnan, now ten, was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

That saw the youngster spend Christmas Eve 2005 in the operating room.

The brave boy then faced 18 months of gruelling radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

And no sooner had he got used to that, than he was involved in a terrifying carjacking at gunpoint with his mother, Nabeela, in November 2006 when they were held up at a filling station in Cheadle.

It wasn't until late in 2007 that Ifnan finished his treatment but the horrors of the carjacking remained in their memories.

However, this year is set to be different as Ifnan has made excellent progress and is in remission and the family can finally put the last three years behind them.

Nabeela, 29, said: "It has been a shocking time, and such a long haul but this is the first Christmas when everything is finished, we can finally put everything behind us and all is back to normal.

"We are going to spend Christmas at home with the family.

"Ifnan has done so well, his hair has grown back, he has put on weight and is doing really well, he is catching up at school as well and is set to start high school next September.

"Everyone in the local area has been so supportive I want to say thankyou to everyone who has helped us throughout this ordeal - the local community have been fantastic."