Happily playing with his toys and pulling himself around in his baby walker, little Harry Brown looks like any other 11-month-old.

But his big blue eyes and cute smile hide the first few traumatic months to his life as his parents Neil Brown and Hannah Bush prepare to celebrate his first birthday next month.

The youngster was born with a head that bulged towards the back. The over-lapped skull bones had become fused and doctors were concerned Harry would be left with a permanently misshapen skull.

But in a life-changing two-hour operation, surgeons cut a large S-shape on the crown of Harry's head before inserting sets of springs at the front, middle and back, to re-balance the shape. The springs were then removed a month later, having completed their task.

The couple, who live in Downham Market, were so delighted by the treatment they received at Great Ormond Street throughout their ordeal, they have set about raising funds for the famous London hospital.

Mr Brown, 40, said: 'For us, it really was a frightening experience because we were stepping into the unknown.

'I can remember carrying him down to the operation theatre and it was the longest walk of our lives, we just seemed to walk along corridor after corridor.

'Then just before he went in for his operation, I remember holding him in my arms and I could tell by the look in his eyes that he knew something was wrong.

'No matter how hard you try, you can't find the words to describe how you feel but everyone at the hospital were fantastic to all of us and really helped us pull through.'

Miss Bush, 32, added: 'They have to deal with a lot and to be honest I am not sure how they manage to deal with it but they were so great to us.

'It's an incredible place but they rely on �50 million of charity donations each year so that is why we decided to do our bit to help.

'Our family and friends have been really supportive in helping us to raise some money in gratitude for all they've done for Harry.'

So far, �1,000 has been raised for the hospital through a Christmas coffee morning, two car boot sales and support from Clever Clogs, a play group in Downham.

Builder Mr Brown is also undergoing a sponsored head shave at Sorella's, in Bridge Street, Downham on Saturday just after 1pm.

There will also be a raffle at Saturday's event where people can win one of 60 prizes which vary from a TV to an Easter hamper to a meal for two at The Castle pub in Downham.

After the weekend's fundraising event, the couple hope to have raised more than �2,000.