A GIRL is fighting for her life in hospital after contracting a rare condition STEC-HUS, believed to have been caused by E.coli.

Suspected to have originated from a Christmas market in Buckinghamshire, the young woman, with dreams of becoming a performing artist, is displaying unparalleled determination amidst immense stress and pain.

According to her elder sister Jemima Hay, Antonia has undergone multiple surgeries, including the removal of a portion of her bowel.

Antonia's kidneys have also failed forcing her onto dialysis.

It's been an exhausting journey for the family, transforming them into an unbroken unit glued together by Antonia's ordeal.

Her sister expressed her admiration for Antonia on a GoFundMe page, which said: "Anybody who has met Antonia will know that she is the most kind, caring, outgoing person and lights up any room she walks into."

Evidently, despite enduring the hardest time in her life, Antonia's primary concern is the well-being of others, constantly attempting to cheer them up.

Despite the uncertainty regarding Antonia's recovery, it is evident her condition will have significant, lifelong implications.

Elaborating on the potential fallouts, her sister said: "With her kidneys still not functioning, it is likely that this will impact her for the rest of her life."

As a singer, dancer, and aspiring actress, Antonia is worried about the adverse effect on her artistic pursuits.

She fears her studies in performing arts will be significantly affected.

As the family grapples with the financial strain brought upon by Antonia's ongoing treatment, appeals for donations have been made.

The funds are meant to secure Antonia's future and to organise a gathering when she recovers well enough.

Her parents, visiting her at the hospital every single day, haven't been able to work.

Her father's employer is not providing any pay for his time off either, leaving the family without an income.

After two weeks in intensive care, a transfer to another hospital, multiple operations, procedures and a blood transfusion, Antonia was allowed to come home temporarily for Christmas Day, before returning back to hospital for further dialysis treatment on Boxing Day.

Support has also poured in during the festive period, raising over £7,000 in just 24 hours, surpassing the target of £5,000.

The family has thanked everyone for their overwhelming generosity.

"The support is greatly appreciated by myself, Antonia and the rest of my family," Antonia's sister thanked everyone.

Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-antonia-during-this-tough-time to donate.