The smiling toddler – known as Meli – had suffered a series of health complications since birth.

In the final year of her life, the youngster was given the last rites three times, amazing doctors with her will to live. But her condition was never diagnosed.

Her parents, Andrea and Paul, both 40, from Cleadon, are having a special day out with children Lisle, two, and Jessica, nine, to celebrate Amelia's short life.

Mrs Talbut said: "We visit her memorial at birthdays and Christmas and our birthdays. She has always been there and she was such a massive part of our lives.

"We were lucky enough to have her for the time we did and she's still very much here, alive in our hearts."

Policeman Mr Talbut added: "Meli was always smiling and happy."

The family still stay in contact with the community nurses who helped them look after the Oakleigh Gardens School pupil at home.

Mrs Talbut said: "They had such a heavy involvement in looking after Meli, it would be hard to break the ties.

"We were so grateful to have Amelia home – it kept us together."

It is thought she was the first child in the region to have received such extensive "hospital-style" care at home.

Amelia received support from Great Ormond Street Hospital, St Oswald's Hospice in Newcastle, South Tyneside District Hospital and Newcastle General and the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Now Mr Talbut hopes their time at home with Amelia has paved the way for other families wanting to do the same.

He wants to raise money for St Oswald's Hospice. He is taking part in the Great North Run and in the future would love to swim the English Channel.

Mrs Tarbut added: "We'd like to say a thank-you to the medical team involved and the family and friends who continue to support us."

• To sponsor Mr Talbut or help him on his way to swimming the Channel, contact him at paul.talbut@sky.com