GAZETTE & HERALD: GUTSY schoolgirl Emily Hudd could be back at home with her family by the end of the week if tests show her kidney infection has cleared up.

The eight-year-old, who was born with only half a heart, has been in Bristol Children's Hospital for three weeks following a heart operation to fit a shunt.

But she contracted a bone infection in her hip and kidney problems, and her family has endured an anxious wait to see if she could fight it off.

Her parents Vikki and Robbie Hudd, who live at Ladyfield Road, said after being confined to a wheelchair Emily was now up and about.

"It's lovely to see her walking again," said Mrs Hudd. "At one point we were worried she wouldn't be able to walk.

"She's also going to the toilet a lot which could mean her kidneys are working or that she's just passing water we'll just have to wait and see."

Little Emily, a pupil at Frogwell School, is having tests this week and the results will determine whether or not she can return home.

The family is planning a small welcome-home party when Emily finally makes it out of hospital.