Looking at bubbly Lily-Rose Sampson it is hard to image that just seven months ago her life hung in the balance after she was born with a serious heart condition that required an emergency operation.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Lily-Rose Sampson in Great Ormond Street Hosptial.Picture: Kelly SampsonLily-Rose Sampson in Great Ormond Street Hosptial.Picture: Kelly Sampson (Image: Archant)

After being born on October 26, the Bradwell baby had to under go a six hour open heart operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Following the operation it was not until another 10 days that her parents, Matt and Kelly Sampson, were able to give their daughter her first proper cuddle.

And now seven months after her ordeal Lily-Rose is a bundle of fun who is said to be progressing well and thriving.

To thank the hospital staff her parents have organised a six mile sponsored walk from Gorleston to Hopton and back again on Saturday, June 23.

And Lily-Rose and her brother Alfie, nine, and her sister Sienna, seven, will be taking part in the walk along with family friends and other relatives.

Kelly, 36 and who is a travel consultant, said: “We spent a long 13 days in London away from our other two children, family and friends, and it wasn’t until day 10 that we got to have our first proper cuddle of our little miracle.

“Six months later we have a little girl that’s thriving and progressing well.

“Everyday we are thankful for this.

“The experience we had was a challenging one and made us realise that nothing can ever be taken for granted.

“It also brings home that there are many children that are far worse off and still remain in the hospital until this day.”

Mr Sampson, 43 and an insurance manager, said: “As a family we will never be able to thank Great Ormond Street Hospital enough, so we would like to attempt to give something back.

“We want to raise as much money as possible by doing the sponsored six mile walk.”

The walk starts at noon at The Pier Hotel Gorleston and goes to The Turnstone pub in Hopton and back again.

Laura Savory, head of community events at Great Ormond Street Hospital, said: “We’re so grateful to Kelly and Matt for their generosity and support.”

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/LilyRose2017