A nine-year-old girl who was rushed into intensive care "an hour from death" has shocked doctors with her spirit and fight for life as she continues to battle on a month later.

Brave Brooke Cornwell , of Breakspeare Close, Watford, who has rare blood disorder Diamond Blackfan Anaemia, was admitted to St Mary’s in London early February after going into septic shock.

Grandma Christine Castle said: "We didn’t realise how serious it was. She went into renal failure and septic shock in the ambulance from Watford General to St Mary’s Hospital in London.

"They gave her an hour at most. The doctor worked on her way beyond her time - and Brooke’s still here because of her.

"Brooke has an amazing fight for life, she has a setback and she claws her way back. It’s like she’s climbing a mountain an inch at a time - some day she’s going to get to the top.

"She’s still on a ventilator, but she’s aware of everything, she’ll squeeze our hands gently if we ask.

"It’s a long hard road, but we are forever optimistic. Her spirit is so strong, we’re unbelievably proud."

Brooke’s kidney’s, lungs and brain have suffered damage as a result of the infection.

Her family has been fundraising to renovate a room in the house for Brooke to come home to.

All the materials have been donated and supporters are set to give up their time to help decorate the loft conversion.

But Christine said they still need £15,000 to pay for a builder to carry out the structural work.

She said: "It would be better than winning the lottery for Brooke to have her own room, her own space - it would change all our lives.

"We have already raised £1,400 towards the cost of the extension.

"Thank you for all the donations and everyone’s continuous support, especially from her teachers and classmates at Nascot Wood infant and junior school.

"And we would like to thank all of Brooke’s doctors and nurses. The care she’s had at St Mary’s has been absolutely excellent, they’ve gone beyond in their nursing and care. And the same at Watford, they were wonderful really."

Donations to Support Brave Brooke can be made to account number: 12213230 sort code: 40 40 01.