Published: Thursday, 4th June, 2009 7:00am

She is a real Bobbi dazzler

BOUNCING high on the giant trampoline that dominates the front garden of the family home in Priory Walk, a huge smile lights up little Bobbi McBurnie"s angelic face.

The seven-year-old Haddington Infant School pupil is the picture of health and happiness. Yet it was not always so.

As the Courier reported in late 2002, she went through a traumatic start to her life - born 13 weeks premature and weighing just 1lb 7oz.

Mum Carol underwent an emergency caesarian section at the Simpson"s Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh when tests revealed Bobbi was in severe foetal distress and that Carol"s blood pressure was dangerously high.

Carol and husband David feared their youngest daughter might not even see Christmas. But an urgent appeal for blood donors prompted a huge response from county residents, throwing Bobbi an invaluable lifeline.

Her very first Christmas was spent in the old Simpson"s Neonatal Unit in Edinburgh, where she remained for three months, fighting off septicaemia and e-coli.

She needed a total of 11 blood tranfusions before she was finally out of danger and allowed home to Haddington.

Her heartwarming story was even used to front a festive campaign to increase blood donations by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.

Now, seven years on, Bobbi has repaid the nurses and doctors who saved her life by undertaking a series of distance walks in aid of the premature baby unit at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Her most recent charity walk - a four-mile return crossing of the Forth Road Bridge - has raised her personal total to more than £2,400.

Bobbi, who was accompanied by family and friends on the bridge trek, said: 'It wasn"t easy, because it was very windy and I did struggle a wee bit. But I was delighted to have the chance to raise some money for the hospital.'

Her efforts have inspired all who know her, not least her leader at the Haddington Rainbows, Susie Winter.

She nominated Bobbi for this year"s John Lockhart Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually at the Haddington Festival to a local child who has helped improve the lives of others.

No-one was surprised when the little bundle of energy was selected as the 2009 recipient.

'I was very nervous, and very pleased, when I went up to receive the trophy in St Mary"s Parish Church,' she admitted.

'I couldn"t believe I had won.'

Bobbi is not one for resting on her laurels, though. She plans to take part in the Sick Kids" Friends Foundation"s annual Teddy Toddle - a children"s sponsored walk - carrying her favourite teddy bear at Meadowbank Stadium on June 14.

Dad David, 38, a setter at Lemac, said: 'Bobbi never ceases to amaze us.

'When she was 10 days old we were told she might not make it through the night. Now, apart from being physically small for her age, she"s just a normal kid.

'She"s doing well at school and is a quick learner. We are all so proud of her.'