After such a traumatic year, it is a pleasure to relate the story of Sandy and Jake Cundy.

Jake's birth was a miracle doctors said would never happen after his mother developed life-threatening cancer.

The treatment was so toxic, it was feared that if Sandy recovered, she would be infertile.

But not only did Sandy beat cancer, she also defied the medical experts and conceived Jake.

Theirs is a Christmas tale of hope in a world beset by troubles, following the September 11 terrorist atrocities in America.

It demonstrates that life is an unbelievably precious commodity which we should all cherish.

Jake is a tiny, gurgling beacon for the future, who will grow as the 21st Century unfolds, and we wish him a happy and successful life on this tiny, beautiful planet of ours.