When Tilly Fraser was born, her parents looked on in horror as their tiny baby endured 13 corrective surgeries hours after her delivery.

She was given little chance of survival, delivered prematurely with six genetic conditions affecting her heart, spine and limbs, to name a few.

Tilly - short for Matilda - was diagnosed with VACTERL association, which stands for vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies and limb abnormalities.

Children diagnosed with the condition usually have at least three of the various genetic problems - Tilly had twice as many.

It's now five years later and, having beaten insurmountable odds, Tilly has packed her bag for her first day at school.

Her mother Mandy, from Crookston, Glasgow, said it was horrific watching her daughter go through so many surgeries, but she and husband David never gave up hope.

The couple know it will be an emotional day when Tilly starts at St Monica's Primary later this week.

Mandy said: "We are nervous and excited and anxious, I'm not going to lie. I'm excited as this is such a big step and will be the making of her.

"I'm nervous about how her care is going to be managed and leaving her in the care of other people, especially as much of it is quite personal, but she has already met with the two health and wellbeing staff who will be helping her.

"St Monica's Primary has been wonderful. The head teacher has been really pro-active in making sure the school is going to be the right place for Tilly to be."

Primary one children across the country will face new challenges in reading, writing and communication - but Tilly is already well-versed in explaining her condition to children her own age.

Many and David encourage Tilly's friends to direct their questions to her, "so she has the confidence to explain what's going on."

Among the various conditions she has, Tilly was born with anal atresia, which means she has no anus.

One of the bones in her spinal column is abnormal and she also has tracheoesophageal fistula, meaning her trachea and oesophagus are not connected where they should be.

Her oesophagus formed a pouch which prevents food reaching her stomach and causes saliva to flow into her lungs - as a result she is now fed through a tube.

She is also missing a thumb on her right hand.

The condition presents innumerable worries for Mandy and David as the five-year-old prepares to meet her classmates - but they have resolved to "let her go".

Tilly is still frequently in and out of hospital and has a strict daily routine to keep her well, including physiotherapy three to four times a day to clear her lungs.

She is also fed through a tube and needs help with personal care, which will be carried out in St Monica's Primary by two members of staff.

Mandy added: "I put her school uniform on her last week and the enormity of it started to hit home that this day is finally coming.

"It will be a really emotional day but we just need to let her go, and see what happens."