She has a beaming smile and cheerful nature that belie her challenging start to life.

Eastern Daily Press: Lacie-Blayke Rudd in hospital with her sisters Phoenix-Elise (11) & Tawni-Jai (7).Lacie-Blayke Rudd in hospital with her sisters Phoenix-Elise (11) & Tawni-Jai (7). (Image: Archant)

And one-year-old Lacie-Blayke Rudd can look forward to a happy future after undergoing successful heart surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Now her family, who live in Dereham, want to repay the hospital for its 'incredible' support.

Dad Lee, mum Maxine, and sisters Phoenix-Elise, 11, and Tawni-Jai, seven, are aiming to raise £5,000 for the hospital.

Lacie-Blayke was in surgery for six hours to correct a right-sided aortic arch, on August 5.

Eastern Daily Press: Lacie-Blayke Rudd in hospital.Lacie-Blayke Rudd in hospital. (Image: Archant)

Mr Rudd, 41, said: 'For the surgeons it was like a routine operation but for us, to see our little girl like that in hospital, it was the hardest thing we've ever been through.

'There were several hospital appointments before and after the operation and it was the most difficult time of our lives.

'But the people at Great Ormond Street were incredible - they couldn't do enough to make sure that we were okay.

'Lacie-Blayke will need to have a follow-up appointment in three years, but she is fine.

Eastern Daily Press: Lacie-Blayke Rudd in hospital.Lacie-Blayke Rudd in hospital. (Image: Archant)

'She is such a cheerful, happy little girl - she's always smiling and she was that way throughout the whole process.'

Mr Rudd said they came up with the £5,000 target, to make it £1,000 for each member of the Rudd family.

He is in training to run the Hackney Half-Marathon in May.

Mr Rudd, who is a DJ, will be holding Ruddaz and Ralphy's Easter party with friend Christopher Ralphs on April 15 to raise money for Great Ormond Street.

Mr Rudd said: 'We've had the best possible outcome for Lacie-Blayke. We've been back to Great Ormond Street to give toys to the children.

'It's such an amazing place - they took care of us as well as our baby girl and we just want to give something back.'

People can make a donation at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RuddletteRanch