Medics discovered the tot had a life-threatening diaphragmatic congenital hernia – meaning the left side of her diaphragm was missing – when mum Mandy was 16 weeks pregnant.

Mrs Andrews, 43, and husband Dave, 46, were told their third child had only a 50 per cent of survival.

Charley was rushed straight to Southampton General Hospital after she was born where she spent three months in intensive care.

By the time she reached 18 months, Charley had undergone three lifesaving operations to put a patch over the hole in her diaphragm.

At two years old, she was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

But Charley, now 11, defied the odds and today pays tribute to teachers at Oak Meadow C E Primary School, Fareham, thanks to whom she now faces a bright future.

Despite her disability, their support has enabled her to attend mainstream school.

Charley, of Hillson Drive, Fareham, presented a special plaque staff for their 'outstanding accomplishments in accommodating disabled children.'

She said: 'They have helped me really well. They're very nice to me and have helped me with my English and everything else that I need.

'I have really enjoyed coming to school here.

'I just wanted to say thank you.'

Staff worked hard to accommodate Charley's needs, incorporating physiotherapy in PE lessons and switching classes from the first floor to street level.

Charley has also stayed overnight with special needs assistant Ali Luckins to give mum Mandy respite.

The school even helped pay for after-school clubs and trips and made changes so Charley could participate in PE classes form her wheelchair following pain-ful operations to stretch the tendons in her legs.

Mrs Andrews said: 'Charley wouldn't be the person she is without their help. She's chatty and happy and she wants to get out there and do it all.'

Head teacher Jane Hoggarth said: 'It's quite humbling that she wanted to say 'thank you' in this way. We were just doing our job.'

Special educational needs co-ordinator and acting dep-uty head teacher Michelle Main-Miller said: 'She has never wanted to be treated differently to anyone else – and why should she be?

'We just hope she has the confidence to do what she wants and not to change.

'She will go far just as she is.'