PARENTS Susan and Raymond Greaves are asking to be allowed to bring their desperately ill daughter home from hospital, so they can share precious hours together.

Emma went into hospital in November to have an operation to correct a life-threatening spine deformity.

But the 11-year-old's recovery has not been as good as doctors had hoped, and she remains in a serious condition in Newcastle's General Hospital.

Now her parents, of the Wynd, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, are convinced that home would be the best place for her.

Hospital bosses said that everything was being done to give Emma the best treatment.

Her condition meant it was not possible for her to go home.

Mrs Greaves, 36, said: "We just want as much time as we can at home with Emma where she belongs. I think she would respond better there.

"She has asked to come home. Last week she asked me to get her coat so she could come back.

"We know Emma's not going to live to be an adult and we accept that. We don't know how long we've got with her, so every moment is really precious."

Emma first became ill when she was 11 months old, and just before she was two she lost the use of her arms.

The family have already suffered the agony of losing a child.

Their son, Daniel, died five years ago at the age of seven. He had a similar condition to Emma.

Mr and Mrs Greaves, who also have a son Mathew, one, believe Emma could live at home if she had a portable ventilator to help her breathe.

A Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman said: "Emma has been on life support since her surgery, and because of her condition staff are having difficulty weaning her off that support.

"We understand this is traumatic for the family.

"The wish to return to, and be cared for at home, is highly desirable, but not possible under the given circumstances.

"Staff are endeavouring to ensure that Emma is of the highest priority and all is done in her best interests."