NINE months ago a Whyteleafe toddler had metal pins inserted into her leg because of a hip deformity from birth.
Now Lara Parker is a lively, energetic two-year-old who likes nothing better than playing at home with her toys.
Next month Lara and other youngsters who were born with developmental dysplasia of the hip will take part in a sponsored walk, as part of national Baby Hip Health Awareness Week.
Lara's mother Heather Gillam, who admitted she was "hysterical" after her daughter's condition was first diagnosed, said: "It basically meant Lara was born with a dislocated hip joint. As is very common with this condition, Lara's dislocated hip was missed at all her new-born checks."
Mrs Gillam, 33, who lives in Hornchurch Hill, said alarm bells rang with her when Lara started walking with a limp or would simply topple over after a few steps because her balance was so poor.
She explained: "I was hysterical at first because I feared she would have a permanent limp, and also later back and knee problems as her spine would start to curve to cope with her condition."
Lara's condition was eventually diagnosed at 16 months old. The relatively late diagnosis made her treatment longer and more protracted than would normally be the case in such patients, and involved more than four hours of surgery at St George's Hospital in Tooting.
Then Lara had to spend six weeks in a cast from her chest to her ankles.
Several of Lara's relatives and family friends will converge on Priory Park in Reigate on March 13 to cheer her on in the sponsored walk.
The event aims to raise awareness of the condition and money for Steps, a charity which supports families with children suffering from lower limb conditions.
The week after the walk, the metal plates in the youngster's leg will finally be removed.
Although Lara can look forward to leading a normal life, she may need a hip replacement as early as her 30s.
Mrs Gillam, who is expecting her second daughter in May, added: "If I had seen information on hip health when Lara was a baby I would have known about her condition much sooner.
"If even one child is spared from going through what we have as a family it will have been worth it."
