A BIG-HEARTED eight-year-old has said “thank you” by raising money for the hospital where she was treated for a rare condition as a baby.

Lily Reader spent the first few days of her life in London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital separated from twin sister Hattie.

She was born with a blocked airway in her nostril, a rare condition diagnosed as choanal atresia, and as a result was referred to specialists.

The condition affects one in every 10,000 births and is slightly more common in girls than boys. Lily had several operations to help her breathing up to the age of three.

In a letter to all the people who have helped her raise money for the hospital Lily said: “Thanks to people like you lots more children will leave Great Ormond Street happy and smiley like me.”

Her parents Michelle and Martin said it was a tough time for the family having Lily in Great Ormond Street.

“It was extremely difficult for all of us as Lily was separated from us and I had to live in a hotel in London to be near to her,” Mrs Reader added.

“It was still difficult when Lily was released from hospital as she had an oral feeding tube as well as stents in her nose which had to be suctioned out every 30 minutes.

“It was very hard to feed a baby via a feeding tube when you also have another baby wanting to feed at the same time.”

To thank the doctors, Lily, who lives in Worlingworth with her parents and sisters Faith, 11, and Hattie, decided to raise money for Great Ormond Street.

Lily wrote a letter to her teachers at Brandeston Hall Preparatory School asking if she could hold a cake sale to tie in with National Baking Week.

Mrs Reader, 41, said: “Lily spoke to her tutor, James Loveridge, who was a tremendous support.

“Mr Loveridge involved all the children in Year Four and they made posters. Lots of mums baked cakes and we were also fortunate to be given some raffle prizes.”

Lily managed to raise �400 for Great Ormond Street.

Mrs Reader added: “My husband and I are both extremely proud of Lily for the funds she raised for such a worthwhile charity.

“When Lily wrote to all the parents and her friends thanking them for their support. She truly is amazing.”