While she looks a picture of health, she faces months of chemotherapy to banish a disease which was spotted as she took her first steps.

Her parents thought she had bumped herself using a toy to help her walking – but tiny marks were the initial signs of leukaemia.

It was a desperate day for the Cotmanhay family. Their GP immediately suspected a blood problem and sent Lillie to Derby Children's Hospital where the cancer was diagnosed.

Specialists at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, discovered she had acute promyelocytic leukaemia, which is so rare it is only seen at the Queen's around once every four years.

Her mum, 28-year-old Amy Clifton, said: "One day there seemed to be nothing wrong with her and then you see her like that. It was terrible, all the leukaemia cells had got to her throat.

"But all the staff were brilliant. The consultant came to see us and said they needed to put a line in for the chemotherapy, explaining everything to us.

"We also want to thank our family and friends for the support they have given. It does make a difference.

"When you see Lillie now, there seems nothing wrong and she is quite happy, although the chemotherapy gave her mouth ulcers and put her off her food."

Last Saturday, a charity night was held to mark the family's appreciation of the work of the hospital and its paediatric intensive care unit. It was held at the Concorde on Green Lane and they raised £1,700.

Firms donated a series of raffle prizes including a mountain bike, Derby County football tickets, whisky and food and Lillie's mum, Amy, wants to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped out.

Lillie's grandmother Jane Wilson said:"Staff at the unit were absolutely amazing, especially Lillie's two favourite nurses Becky Priestland and Dave Crookston.

"Not only did they have to look after Lillie but they had to cope with the rest of the family, who were distraught."

A Queen's spokesman said they were unable to discuss the toddler's condition but added:"It is fair to say we have only seen three or four cases in the 15 years of the trust."

The family hope Three Valleys Housing will find them a fresh home because of problems with damp and brick dust. Pet cat Drift has been re-homed to cut the risk of infection.