Sophia Marshall, 3, was never expected to walk, now she's joining Worcester Hearty Walk

Sophia Marshall, aged three, has 11 serious heart conditions, as well as other life limiting medical issues, one of which meant she should never have been able to walk.

However, thanks to rigorous physio, she took her first steps last October, and will be walking the Worcester Hearty Walk.

The event, taking place this Sunday for the British Heart Foundation, has the option of either a three mile walk or a six mile walk, both fully wheelchair accessible.

Chantelle Marshall, her mum, said: “She’s doing well, and she’s stable, cardiac wise.

“She needs lots more surgeries but they don’t really know what they can do since the last one was rejected. That’s why we’re so passionate about the British Heart Foundation and their work.

“When she was born we were told she would never be able to walk but she has taught herself to do it.

“We are so proud of her and how well she is doing, especially with such rare conditions.

“Sophia lives her life to the full each day. She really is a blessing.”

Sophia has a just giving page to help raise money, set up by her aunt. Anyone wanting to donate can visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/clair-shipway4

Last Christmas, Chantelle and Sophia took part in a giveaway at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, handing out more than 300 presents donated by friends and family to children on the wards.

Hallow Primary donated 172 presents to the drive, called “Sophia Santa’s Little Helper.”