Thirty years ago it was touch and go for baby Kerry Nolan, who weighed in at less than a bag of sugar and 15 weeks early.

But following a series of life-saving operations the tiny tot named “Thumberlina” by medical staff and family pulled through to make a miracle recovery.

And from an early age Kerry, who grew up in Iwade, decided how to say thank you to the staff at Great Ormond Street who gave her the gift of life.

She made up her mind she wanted to be a nurse. And happily and she now works at the very same children’s specialist hospital where she spent her first three months.

Kerry, born at All Saints’ Hospital, Chatham at 1lb 10oz was the baby her parents Ron and Linda thought they would never have.

When she arrived prematurely, it was discovered she had a perforated bowel and was diagnosed with a condition where tissues in the intestine get inflamed and could lead to a hole developing.

The youngster underwent three major operations. She became one of the smallest babies to survive such surgery at the time.

Inspired by the many photographs of her on the ward and by stories her parents told her she decided she wanted to a nurse from the age of six.

She said: “I wanted to give something back.”

Kerry now works as a healthcare assistant treating young poorly patients and meeting families, just like hers.

She said: “ I get to know them as they stay with us for a long time. I love seeing how the children grow and develop during their time with us.

“Watching the young ones learn how to take their first steps, then leave us walking is such a nice feeling.

Working at GOSH is really special for me. I get such a buzz every day I report for duty.”

This month sees the launch of the Then Now Always campaign, the 30th anniversary of the Wishing Well Appeal.

This was the first major promotion for the GOSH charity.

It was started to raise money for a new building at the hospital. And showing they still remember the special care Kerry got, her family raised money to thank the team who saved her.