Sophia, now four, underwent the controversial and pricey surgery to correct a rare limb deficiency and foot deformity – and was to undergo further lengthening surgery at age eight and then 16 as she grew.

However the little girl has grown faster than expected, and the second surgery now needs to happen next year, when she’s just five.

“She’s been going great guns. She doesn’t let anything stop her, she’s climbing on everything and she loves to go to the park like all other children,” Mrs Jans said.

“Now gradually the discrepancy again is getting bigger between the two legs; we’re currently sitting at around 8cm. So she’s now in a brace and has a 5.5cm lift in her shoes.

“Because she’s grown faster than anticipated, her next surgery is now scheduled for next year around June.”

The Illawarra community opened their hearts to Sophia after the Mercury first wrote of her plight in April 2015. Back then her parents Carley and Chris were facing a number of dilemmas.

Sophia was born with fibular hemimelia –  which means she has no fibula in her right leg, a shortened tibia and just three toes – and Australian specialists had recommended amputation of her right leg.

However the couple’s research had led them to Dr Dror Paley in the US, who combines limb-lengthening operations with a unique ‘superankle procedure’ to rectify deformities in her ankle and foot. That surgery came with a $250,000 price tag and they were considering selling their home.

Amazingly friends, family and strangers pitched in to an online fundraiser, the 2016 surgery was able to go ahead and was a great success. Sophia’s come along in leaps and bounds.

“Words cannot describe how we feel each and every day,” Mrs Jans said. “We’re absolutely blown away by her progress, by her resilience and her strength.”

However the Jans’ – who have three other children – thought they had several years before the next surgery. They now need to come up with another $170,000 within months – and again have to ask for help.

“To this day it still astounds us, the generosity people showed to Sophia, and our family,” Mrs Jans said.

“She had the opportunity to live life on her own two feet and she’s experiencing that.

“So all the blood, sweat and tears that went into raising that money –and the continued efforts we’ll do – it’s worth every cent we’re able to raise and put towards her surgery.”

Visit ‘Sophia’s Leg Charity Appeal’ Facebook page for details.