SHOPS and companies are being urged to support a brave toddler and her family's efforts to raise funds for a children's hospital.

Three-year-old Amy Lambert, who was nicknamed "Amazing Amy" by staff at Birmingham Children's Hospital after overcoming a series of serious illnesses, is preparing for a marathon lorry journey from John O'Groats to Land's End.

The youngster, of Green Lane, Worcester, will be joined by her lorry-driver dad Darren and mum, Laura, on the fund-raising mission in August.

They are being sponsored by Sainsbury's, and the journey will take in many of the company's stores.

The total distance the family will cover is expected to be more than 2,000 miles.

They are keen to raise as much money as possible to help other sick children at the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit.

And they want people to support them in any way, from donating raffle prizes to collecting money in shops.

Any company that sponsors the family will have its name put on the side of the articulated lorry.

They also need a seven-seater people carrier as a back-up vehicle for the journey, and someone to print t-shirts for the event.

The fund-raising mission, which will start from John O'Groats on Sunday, August 24, is the family's way of saying thank you to the hospital for saving Amy's life.

She spent nine weeks in the intensive care unit as she battled against leukaemia, pneumonia and a severe blood infection last year.

"We want people to support us because it could be their child who needs hospital treatment one day," said Mr Lambert.

"If we can raise enough money, we will be able to buy equipment which can save lives."

Anyone who would like to make a donation, or who would like more information about how they can help, should call David Shepherd at Birmingham Children's Hospital on 0121 333 8506.

n Left: Laura Lambert with three-year-old daughter Amy. Picture by Marie Hodson. 05041005