Today the Gazette is launching an appeal to raise money for two-year-old Lydia Cross who lost both her legs following complications from meningitis. DEBBIE WAITE talked to Lydia's parents about the family's ordeal.

Despite all she's been through, tiny Lydia Cross has shown remarkable spirit and has bounced back from even the most painful treatments.

A popular member of the children's ward at Bristol's Frenchay Hospital, she is undergoing daily drug treatment following the amputation of her legs below the knee.

"Days after her operation, Lydia lifted her bandaged stumps up to her chin and smiled and it almost broke my heart," said her mother, Jody, 33.

"She has been through so much, but she is so brave."

Surgeons have told Mrs Cross and her husband Tony, 34, that Lydia will be fitted for prosthetic legs in January, with a view to her getting them around Easter.

"I had visions of her running about on Heather Mills-type legs until I realised that they were £4,000," said Mrs Cross.

"With their cost and how quickly she will outgrow them, that will be impossible at the moment.

"But when she is around 12 years old and her looking right really becomes an issue, she will have those legs, whatever it takes."

Mr and Mrs Cross are staying at one of the hospital's family rooms and will spend Christmas Day in Frenchay. They hope to be able to take Lydia home for good on Boxing Day.

"We just feel so grateful that she is with us," said Mrs Cross.

"We have met so many parents, whose children are suffering so much and have even lost children, that we view ourselves as lucky that we still have our girls."

Mrs Cross has returned to the family's home in Chippenham long enough to decorate the house for Lydia's Boxing Day homecoming. "Our neighbours, who are wonderful, are going to put up banners for when she gets back," she said.

Lydia will be three on February 25 and is described as "so spirited" by her mum. "We've watched her bounce back so many times, she is a miracle," said Mrs Cross.

"We are just determined to treat her like a normal little girl and have told her that when you have as pretty a face as she has, you don't need feet."

But the family do want answers. They want to know why doctors at Chippenham Hospital failed to diagnose Lydia's condition, despite her baby sister Millie having spent time in intensive care with meningitis in the same week. "I will be starting a campaign to change the way parents are seen when presenting with symptoms like Lydia and Millie," said Mrs Cross.

"Parents should not need an appointment if their children are showing symptoms of meningitis and I would also like to see a paediatric nurse in every health centre."

The Primary Care Trust for Kennet and North Wiltshire is launching an investigation into Lydia's case.

The PCT's acting chief executive, Stephen Golledge said: "Our thoughts are now with this child and her family, with our efforts focused on making sure that they receive the treatment and support that they require."

Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Cross have welcomed the Gazette's appeal to raise money for Lydia's future.

Money raised will be placed in trust for Lydia and will be used to buy items for her, chosen by her parents.

Mr Cross said: "We have already had a call from a businessman in London, who has kindly offered us a family holiday to wherever we want to go,which is amazing. It would be wonderful to receive any help Gazette readers would like to give."

If you would like to help, please send your donation to The Lydia Cross Appeal, Gazette & Herald, 14 Market Place, Devizes, SN10 1HT.