SHE has been battling the odds ever since she was born six months ago.

Aimee Otworowski arrived three months prematurely and tipped the scales at just 1lb 14oz, about half the weight of a bag of sugar.

She was born with a hole in the heart and also suffers from chronic lung disease.

After spending almost four months in the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton she was well enough to go home but had to return three weeks later and has been in and out of the high dependency unit ever since.

Her parents, Emma Randall, 31, and David Otworowski, 28, of Holbury, say Aimee’s excellent care and the outstanding support they have received from hospital staff have been a constant source of reassurance.

Emma said: “They have answered every little enquiry, talked through her treatment with us and generally helped us stay positive.”

Now staff and customers at the Langley Tavern in Lepe Road, Langley, have launched a major fundraising campaign to thank the hospital’s neo-natal ward.

A grand raffle and auction, being organised by landlord Chris Hall and customer Cathy Bartlett as part of the pub’s annual music festival on August 2, aims to raise £10,000.

Auction lots include a football boot signed by England player Frank Lampard, two boxing gloves signed by former WBA champion David Haye and ex-amateur champion George Groves, and a free ride in a hot air balloon.