As brave Sprowston schoolgirl Sophie Taylor began her road to recovery after major surgery, about 200 people took part in a 12-hour danceathon to show their support for the inspiring youngster who is fighting bone cancer.

Eastern Daily Press: Sprowston schoolgirl Sophie Taylor underwent a major operation on one of her legs on Wednesday at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. She is pictured here saying goodbye to her sister Evie just before she went to the hospital for the operation. Photo: supplied by the Taylor familySprowston schoolgirl Sophie Taylor underwent a major operation on one of her legs on Wednesday at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. She is pictured here saying goodbye to her sister Evie just before she went to the hospital for the operation. Photo: supplied by the Taylor family (Image: supplied by the Taylor family)

Sophie, who is just four-years-old, underwent a major operation on one of her legs on Wednesday at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.

And now the Sprowston Infant School pupil - who was diagnosed in January with osteosarcoma in her knee and tumours which had spread to her lungs - is at the start of her journey of healing and learning to walk again.

Her father Alex Taylor said: 'She's a fighter, she has got a lot of strength in her. She will get through and come out of it the other end. It just takes time and we will ride it out with her and make sure she is as happy as she can be.'

He added: 'She is coping remarkably well considering the amount of pain and discomfort she is in [following the operation]. She puts us adults to shame, the way she just gets on with it. She is just brilliant.'

Eastern Daily Press: Sprowston schoolgirl Sophie Taylor underwent a major operation on one of her legs on Wednesday at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. She is pictured with her brother Connor after her operation.Photo: supplied by the Taylor familySprowston schoolgirl Sophie Taylor underwent a major operation on one of her legs on Wednesday at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. She is pictured with her brother Connor after her operation.Photo: supplied by the Taylor family (Image: supplied by the Taylor family)

He said Sophie was likely to be staying at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital for the next couple of weeks and it would be approximately six to 12 months before she would be able to walk again.

'It is a long recovery she has got ahead of her. It's not just healing, it's healing and learning to use prosthetics,' he said, adding that the whole family - including Sophie's mum Kirsty and her sister Evie and brother Connor would be with her every step of the way.

Despite having major surgery just days ago, on Saturday Sophie was able to play a part by videolink in a special danceathon taking place in her honour at Spixworth Village Hall and organised by Carly Fryman from Dynamic Dance. About 200 people took part in the event which started and finished with Sophie's favourite song - Shout Out To My Ex by Little Mix - and raised more than £1,500.

Mr Taylor said: 'My sister, Mary Farrow, went along on our behalf to say thanks and video called us so Sophie could see what was going on.

Eastern Daily Press: Sprowston schoolgirl Sophie Taylor underwent a major operation on one of her legs on Wednesday at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. She is pictured here in hospital after the operation. Photo: supplied by the Taylor familySprowston schoolgirl Sophie Taylor underwent a major operation on one of her legs on Wednesday at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. She is pictured here in hospital after the operation. Photo: supplied by the Taylor family (Image: supplied by the Taylor family)

'We are just completely blown away by how many people have come forward to support Sophie and her future. We are very much appreciative of it.'

To support Sophie, tweet a photo to #takeasophie, visit Super Strong Sophie on Facebook or donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/superstrongsophie

Eastern Daily Press: A 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian BurtA 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: A 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian BurtA 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: A 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian BurtA 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: A 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian BurtA 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: A 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian BurtA 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: A 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian BurtA 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: A 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian BurtA 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: A 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian BurtA 12 - hour danceathon was held at Spixworth Village Hall to raise funds for Super Strong Sophie. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)