A YOUNG girl who fought to stay alive when she was first born has started her second year at school.

Five-year-old Grace Cogger, from Wickford, was rushed into surgery for a life-saving bowel operation when just two days old.

She was born with a rare condition called duodenal atresia, which meant the first part of her small intenstine was closed off, stopping food and fluid passing from her stomach to her intenstines.

Grace hit the headlines when she became the first baby at the Royal London Hospital to benefit from a pioneering keyhole surgery technique used to fix the problem.

She spent the first three traumatic weeks of her life in the neo-natal intensive care unit, but Grace has gone on to develop and progress like any normal child.

Grace has now just finished her first few weeks in Year 1 at Hilltop Infant School, in Wickford, where she is making friends and enjoying her lessons.

Proud mum, Karen Cogger, 37, said: “Reception was a big step for Grace and after a successful year, we’re thrilled she’s off to such a good start in Year 1.

“Grace is a very determined young lady and we totally love her strength as that’s what got her through her very difficult start in life. Although sometimes my husband and I laugh and say we wish she wasn’t so strong willed!

“She’s such a pleasure and is really enjoying her new class and loves her teacher.”

The Sick Children’s Trust supported Grace’s family while she was receiving life-saving treatment far from home, by putting them up free of charge in Stevenson House accommodation, based on The Royal London Hospital site.

The house, which is funded by donations and supports over 500 families every year, provides emotional and practical support.

Mrs Cogger added: “We were so fortunate to be able to stay in Stevenson House until Grace was better and able to come home with us.

“The support of the other parents and staff kept us going and we are truly grateful to have stumbled across this amazing charity.”