FOR little Ivy Scarisbrick and her family, 2017 is ending on a high after life-saving surgery, a milestone birthday and a year of fundraising that has topped £8,000.

This time last year, poorly Ivy looked "like a little old lady" and was awaiting open-heart surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool. It was an incredibly anxious time for mum Samantha White, dad Piers Scarisbrick and big sister Cora.

Baby Ivy was just five weeks old when she underwent the open-heart surgery that saved her life. Her family, who live in Holme, were so grateful to Alder Hey's "wonderful" doctors and nurses, they were inspired to raise money for the world-famous hospital.

Now, "Ivy's year of fundraising" has drawn to a close with a grand total of £8,117.30.

Back in October, when the Gazette spoke to Ivy's mum Samantha, family and friends had raised around £3,000. That figure soared after a charity evening at Park House Farm, Heversham. The 180 guests added £4,500 to the fund through ticket sales, a raffle and auction, to the family's surprise and delight.

"We never thought we'd raise that much money - to raise £4,500 was amazing," said Samantha.

In other events, family friend Christine Matthews ran 60 races in her 60th year. Meanwhile, Ivy's uncle, Adam White, completed the 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, with just 20 minutes to spare. And South Lakeland Leisure Park at Borwick hosted a 12-hour spinathon on exercise bikes.

"We've had raffles, cake sales and birthday parties where people asked for no presents, with all the money to go to Alder Hey," said Samantha, who works in a residential home.

The family recently made a happy return visit to Alder Hey where they gave out presents on the ward and Ivy had a routine cardiac check-up. She is doing so well, her next appointment will not be for another six months.

Ivy celebrated her first birthday on November 27 and enjoyed a shared party with Cora for her third birthday. It was a happy occasion after the year's momentous events.

"I'm really proud and grateful to everybody that helped us along the way," said Samantha. "It's amazing to have raised more than £8,000.

"Things are completely different from this time last year. Being able to get excited for Christmas and the build-up to it has been lovely."