A girl was born with a tiny ‘bruise’ on her forehead that eventually grew into a pomegranate-sized birthmark.

Chloe Lambert, now nine, from Milton Keynes, arrived eight weeks early with a small mark on the right side of her forehead.

Her parents, Jean and Michael, were initially unconcerned, but the mark soon grew larger every day and turned a vivid red.

Doctors initially reassured the couple that it would disappear on its own. However, the mark continued growing, became irritated and attracted unwanted attention from strangers.

Chloe was eventually accepted onto a treatment trial at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where doctors used medication to reduce the blood flow through the birthmark, helping it shrink before surgery.

The youngster underwent three operations and is now left with only a small scar.

Chloe was born at just 32 weeks and spent weeks in intensive care. After bringing her home, her parents noticed the mark continued to grow and became increasingly difficult to manage.

It eventually affected Chloe’s eye and could become sore when accidentally knocked. Her parents desperately searched for help before learning about the new treatment trial at GOSH.

Chloe was considered a ‘prime candidate’ and began treatment with propranolol just three weeks later. The medication helped reduce blood flow through the birthmark, causing it to become smaller and softer.

After a year of treatment, doctors were confident the birthmark had stopped growing and Chloe was ready for surgery.

Today, Chloe lives a normal life and is proud of her scar after years of trying to cover it.

‘We were ecstatic with the results,’ Mrs Lambert said. ‘It shows the journey that she’s been on.’

Mrs Lambert is now sharing Chloe’s story to raise awareness of the Birthmark Support Group, which supported their family throughout her journey.