YESTERDAY was a very special day for one Isle of Wight family.

Phoebe Bradley turned two years old.

A year ago, the County Press reported that Phoebe had defied the odds by seeing in her first birthday.

She suffers from a severe form of life-limiting genetic disorder Edwards' syndrome, also known as trisomy 18.

Most children die before or shortly after being born.

Her father Peter said: "We had a great day and we feel so lucky that we have her. She has taught us so much about love, life and happiness.

"Just before her birthday we had the great news that we have reached our target for the children’s wards vein finder."

The children’s ward at St Mary's Hospital celebrated reaching their target of £4,800 for Phoebe’s Light.

The Accuview vein finder, nicknamed Phoebe’s Light, helps medics see difficult to find veins, reducing the need for multiple attempts at blood taking or cannulation and making blood tests less traumatic.

Phoebe’s family headed the fundraising efforts.

Dionne Davies, play specialist, said: "We are so happy be able to purchase Phoebe’s Light.

"It’s isn’t nice for any child or their parents to watch them being poked and prodded. This will cause much less discomfort for all.

“We are overwhelmed with the support shown to the children’s ward and we cannot thank everyone for raising or contributing the funds enough, we also got to purchase a trolley stand too.”

Phoebe’s parents, Peter and Hollie, thanked everyone who donated.

They said: “You can’t imagine how much it means to us to know that when Phoebe goes into hospital again this piece of equipment will be there for her and all the other children on the Island."

Peter's next challenge is the Three Peaks. Donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/phoebeslightsthrepeakschallenge