IT WAS the year that changed her life - and now little Georgie Gibbs and her family are wondering what 2017 has in store.

The highlight of 2016 for Clare and Carl Gibbs was their successful campaign to get their four-year-old daughter a pioneering operation which will allow her to walk unaided.

They are already seeing a huge change in Georgie's mobility after she underwent a selective dorsal rhizotomy in February following the launch of the HelpGeorgie campaign in 2015.

One big highlight ahead next year is Georgie starting school in September, hopefully at Oldbury Park like her big sister Ella, six.

This Christmas they are looking forward to seeing Georgie, who has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, playing with a whole host of different toys which would not have been possible had she been turned down for the operation.

She has already had one special Christmas greeting from footballing legend Paul Gascoigne who sent her a personal video message after meeting her in December 2015.

The family have also been inundated with Christmas cards from supporters and added they were overwhelmed with the continued support.

Mum Clare said: "The public generosity has changed our life, there isn't a day goes by where you look at Georgie and be thankful to the community that came together to help our little girl get what she so desperately wished for last Christmas.

"Without this operation, life would have been so different for Georgie, and I will never be able to explain the gratitude to each and everyone who helped make this happen.

"On a daily basis Georgie is proving that the SDR operation was completely the right choice to improve her life for the better.

"This operation has brought life changing results, not just for Georgie but for many children who have gone through the same, both in America and the UK trial.

"It's not just the big things, but little things that most parents take for granted.

"Georgie can now walk and climb into the car without being lifted or carried, sit at the dinner table to enjoy family mealtimes without special equipment to keep her safe, she can play with her friends in nursery without trailing round her walking frame bringing so much more independence and normal play.

"And it was overwhelming to watch her standing independently with great balance in the middle of the dance floor strutting her stuff at a Halloween disco party.

"It really hit me what this operation has done for her when I watched at that moment.

"Now we can't imagine what life was like pre the SDR operation and would like to take this opportunity to thank and wish all who came together to help our family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."