Ref. 12464/2GAZETTE & HERALD: LYDIA Cross was all smiles again this week after being rushed to hospital with laryngitis.

The panic-stricken parents of the three-year-old from Chippenham took her to Bristol Royal Infirmary on Friday night, after she developed a high temperature and sickness.

Tests were carried out and now, following treatment with penicillin, she is almost back to her normal self.

"It was terrifying and brought back all that had happened to her when she was rushed into hospital before," said Lydia's mum Jodie, 34.

"She's okay now though, but the hospital said we were right to take her to them as we were so concerned."

Lydia underwent the amputation of both her legs below the knee after suffering septicaemia last year.

Now walking with specially-made prosthetic limbs, her parents Jodie and Tony have been told they will need to find £12,000 each year for her continuing treatment.

This week, Lydia met Ellen Langley, one of the ever-growing army of fundraisers helping to swell the funds of the Gazette's Lydia Cross Appeal.

Ms Langley, 30, of London Road, Chippenham, raised more than £100 with a sponsored swim at the Olympiad in Chippenham on February 27.

She swam an impressive 20 lengths of the pool in 19 minutes and five seconds and presented Lydia with the money and a cute teddy bear, which Lydia christened Benjamin.

Mrs Langley said: "Meeting Lydia was very emotional. I think everyone who meets her must be taken aback by how cheerful and loving she is after all that has happened."

She added: "I was amazed at how well she was walking around on her new legs."

The Gazette is aiming to raise £12,000 to pay for Lydia's treatment and two new pairs of legs in 2005. So far the total raised for our appeal stands at £4,000.

Cheques, made payable to the Lydia Cross Appeal, can be sent to the Gazette & Herald at 31 Market Place, Chippenham, or donors can deposit money straight into the Lydia Cross Appeal bank account at Lloyds sort code 30-91-99 account number 3091761.