THE daughter of football star Phil Neville is taking part in a charity run today - just three years after her parents thought she would not survive her first 24 hours.

Isabella, who lives with Phil and wife Julie in Crawshawbooth, was born 10 weeks prematurely at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, and spent her first six weeks fighting for life in the special care baby unit.

But she defied the odds and now the family are backing The New Children's Hospital Appeal to raise £20million to pay for parents' accommodation and specialist equipment for the children's hospital being built on the site of Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Everton and former Manchester United star Phil, who lives off Burnley Road, said: "It really is a miracle that Isabella is with us today and taking part in the Mini-Manchester Run.

"When she was born, doctors told us she might not survive her first night.

"But she proved she is a little fighter and just eight weeks later she was well enough to come home.

"We feel forever indebted to the doctors and nurses at St Mary's who worked tirelessly treating Isabella.

"That is why we are backing The New Children's Hospital Appeal and Isabella is taking part in the run in support of the appeal."

Julie added: "The facilities provided by the money raised will make a huge difference to all the families going through the most traumatic period of their lives - spending time with their sick child in hospital."

The Tesco Mini and Junior Manchester Runs will take place at Sportcity, Manchester, today and Isabella and her brother Harvey are running in support of The New Children's Hospital Appeal.

For more information on the Appeal and to find out how you can help, visit www.newchildrenshospital appeal.co.uk