COURAGEOUS Laura Range hugs her mum before taking her first cautious steps on the road to recovery.
Liverpool fan Laura, 13, feared she would never walk again after losing part of her leg when she fell in front of a train.
But just months after having the limb amputated, the determined youngster was standing on her own again.
After having her first prosthetic limb fitted, Laura is now able to walk with the aid of crutches and looking forward to returning to Manor High school in Crosby.
And she has got stories to tell. Last week, Sir Paul McCartney's wife Heather Mills, also an amputee, took her for her first swimming lesson at a pool in Wirral.
Laura, who lives in Bootle, said: "It feels so good to be standing again.
"I have been getting so bored in the house so I am really looking forward to going back to school, although I never thought I'd say that.
"My biggest fear is that people will tease me but Mum's told me that I have got to be strong and be myself."
Laura, the cousin of Sugarbabes singer Heidi Range, fell in front of a train in Orrell Park station in May.
Her joy at walking again comes as the family of eight-year-old Stephen Nesbitt comes to terms with his electrocution at Oriel Road station in Bootle.
Laura's mum Karen, 47, said: "It broke my heart to hear about young Stephen being killed on the railway lines. I am just so grateful that Laura's still with me."
Since Laura's accident, her confidence has been boosted by regular visits from Heidi and Heather.
Heather has promised to meet her again before Christmas.
Karen added: "Heather is Laura's inspiration.
"It brought a smile to my face to see them together. They were laughing and joking like sisters."
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