RATHER than asking for presents, a selfless teenager who spent his 16th birthday on a hospital ward decided to give something back.

Bilal Iqbal-Willan has had to undergo three major operations after contracting bacterial meningitis when he was just 12.

When he was in Year 8 at the Derby High School, Bilal was injured after a ball hit him in the head during a football match.

He was taken to the North Manchester General Hospital where he was kept in for three days.

He was then moved to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital so that they could operate.

Medical staff diagnosed Bilal with a frontal subdural empyema — an abscess.

Bilal underwent two operations in succession and spent a number of days on the intensive care unit.

Mother-of-four Sandra Willan said: "Bilal has been through so much and yet he came up with this idea to fundraise.

"He said 'mum, I don't want presents for my birthday, I just want to donate some money'.

"The staff at Royal Manchester saved his life. He would not be here if it was not for them. He was really happy about giving something back to say thank you.

"We wanted to support his fundraising to give him a bit of a boost. I donated knitted items to help his cause.

"Bilal has spent time on several of the hospital wards. Our hope is that they will use this money where it is needed."

Bilal's condition means that he can often collapse without warning.

In order to manage his symptoms, the teenager is on medication, and has also had to make some changes to everyday life.

Following his injury four years ago, Bilal had to leave the Derby High School to be home tutored for his safety, according to his mother.

Miss Willan, aged 52, said: "Bilal became very poorly. He missed out on Years 8 and 9.

"He was left with epilepsy. He regularly has seizures and there is often no warning so he falls unexpectedly. He is not supposed to go upstairs unaccompanied. It is quite dangerous for him to be on his own."

Bilal, who lives with his family in Fishpool, Bury, manages to keep in contact with his former peers via Facebook, many of whom have donated to his cause.

In February this year, Bilal had to spend one week in hospital for observations, which also meant spending his 16th birthday, on February 20, on a ward.

While in hospital, Bilal received visits from family friends including Zennon Ditchett, who has starred on Coronation Street as Aadi Alahan since December 2009.

Kind-hearted Bilal used his special birthday occasion as an opportunity to raise £210 for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, where he is still under the consultant.

The money, raised via his Facebook page, has been handed over to charities coordinator at Royal Manchester, Kevin Maynard.

Lily Preston, Community Fundraising Officer at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It’s incredibly kind of Bilal to donate money from his 16th birthday to the charity.

"We’re always so grateful to all our fundraisers, but it’s a little bit extra special when it comes from young people who have been treated at the hospital.

"They’ve seen for themselves all the wonderful work we’re able to do thanks to our supporters.

“We’d like to thank Bilal and everyone in the team wishes him a happy birthday.”