Now she has another reason to be cheerful after her sister nominated her for a Pride of South Tyneside award.

Jade, 17, believes Stacey, 19, deserves recognition for the way she has coped with little Sophie Burns.

Doctors believe she was born with Goldenhar syndrome, a rare condition that affects just one in 500,000 children.

As well as facial defects, it can cause heart and respiratory problems, and spinal abnormalities.

The tot needed a life-saving tracheostomy operation at just two weeks old to open her airwaves and help her breathe.

Miss Nellist and her partner Neil Burns, 22, had to prove they could change her tracheostomy tube and use equipment like a suction machine before she was allowed home to Fuschia Gardens, Hebburn, in January.

She is now thriving at 24 weeks old, and her auntie has nominated her mum for Carer of the Year to say 'well done'.

Jade said: "Stacey never complains. She gets offered respite from looking after Sophie, but she refuses.

"Every time Sophie goes out she needs to take a spare tracheostomy tube in case of an emergency.

"The nurses at the hospital think Stacey is marvellous for the care and attention she gives Sophie, for being so young."