WHEN her little girl passed away in her arms two years ago, it was the most devastating time in her life.

Julie Chambers' daughter, Zoe, was just two-and-a-half years old when she died on July 12, 2008.

Before undergoing a life-saving heart transplant in June 2007, Zoe suffered six heart attacks and survived for 100 days attached to a Berlin Heart - a £100,000 piece of equipment that kept her alive.

But just over one year after her transplant, Zoe fell ill and passed away.

Now, more than two years after Zoe's death, Julie, of west Hull, has announced she is 15 weeks pregnant and the baby is due in February.

She said she and her husband Rob, 37, are nervous as Zoe was born with congenital heart disease and there could be a chance of it happening again.

But the couple, who also have a son, Dylan, eight, said they are thrilled by the news.

"When I found out, I was shocked because it wasn't a planned baby," said Julie.

"But it's a very much wanted baby.

"I'm worried because with Zoe having congenital heart disease, I've got a higher risk of having another one.

"But that doesn't mean to say I will.

"We've got to stay positive and wait and see.

"What will be, will be.

"We have been through a lot.

"It's nice to have a bit of good news and it's nice to give Dylan the chance to be a big brother to another sibling."

Since Zoe died, Julie has helped raise almost £4,000 for the Intensive Care Unit at Hull Royal Infirmary, where Zoe was treated briefly.

She has also helped to raise about £10,000 for the Children's Heart Unit Fund at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital, where Zoe was also treated.

Julie said she had a dream about Zoe the night before she found out she was pregnant.

"I don't dream at all and I don't sleep very much either," she said.

"I had a dream the night before I found out I was pregnant that I was at Freeman Hospital and Zoe was on the ward laughing her head off.

"I don't know what she was laughing at but I remember waking up quite emotional.

"That night, I found out I was pregnant.

"It feels a bit strange.

"I just hope it was her way of saying she is happy about it.

"I think Zoe would be happy for us because she was such a happy little girl anyway.

"Nothing phased her, not even a heart transplant."

Julie and Rob were planning to take part in the Great North Run together on September 19.

Julie has had to give up her place but Rob and some of his friends are still determined to complete the 13-mile course.

They are raising money for the Children's Heart Unit Fund at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.

To sponsor Rob, call Julie on 07881574917.