A TWO-YEAR-OLD led a pack of fundraisers around Reigate's Priory Park to raise thousands of pounds for the charity which supported her family through her life-changing surgery.
Sophie Parker was born with developmental dysplasia of the hip, but it was not diagnosed until she was one, which meant she needed invasive surgery to correct the joints.
Her parents feared the condition may mean she would never walk.
Last summer, Sophie spent three months in a full body cast after surgeons broke both her legs and inserted metal bolts in an effort to rebuild her hips.
But last Wednesday, supported by parents Lee and Laura, she was at the forefront of a pack of up to 40 sponsored walkers, who have so far raised more than £5,000 for the charity Steps, which helps both children and adults who have lower limb conditions.
Mr Parker, of Abbots Rise in Redhill, said: "It was brilliant.
"We couldn't have hoped for any better.
"When we first set up the Just Giving page we set a target at £300, and we didn't even know if we would get that far.
"It was humbling.
"This was all Laura's idea and she has done such a great job.
"For it to steam-roll like it has is terrific.
"Sophie did a lot of walking – she was pulling me and Laura around.
"When she was first diagnosed, we didn't know what to expect, so the fact that she was out there walking around is just crazy."
Sophie will need more surgery to remove the metal in her hips later this year, but her family hope she will lead a fully mobile life.
To contribute to the walk fund, click here
