FIGHTER Colt Holland has had his fair share of battles in his short life.
The 11-month-old fought meningitis in his first few weeks, leaving his mum fearing for his life.
But now mother-of-five Kelly Holland has entered him in our Baby and Toddler of the Year competition and hopes he has a winning smile.
The 34-year-old from Mornington Crescent, Mackworth, said: "I was absolutely heartbroken when he was diagnosed.
"My waters had broken earlier than expected and I knew there was a problem.
"I took him to hospital and he was diagnosed with meningitis.
"They ran tests on him for two weeks and he was very rough. I was praying he would get better.
"I was distraught, not knowing what was happening. I felt hopeless because I couldn't do anything.
"I was by his side and never wanted to leave him. I didn't know if he was going to make it."
But he did pull through and, after a two-week hospital stay, Colt was taken home and started to recover.
Kelly, who lives with Colt and her other children, Tiffany, 17, Demi, 16, Beatrix, 10, and Racheal, seven, said: "He was soon fighting fit.
"It's great to see him fine and healthy."
Now Kelly is hoping Colt can scoop £1,500 by winning his category and the overall prize.
She said: "I'd absolutely love it if he could win because he's been through so much and is so tough.
"There's a lot of really good competition from what I've seen in the paper, though."
You will find the Derby Telegraph's professional photographers by the concierge desk on level one at the Intu Derby shopping centre between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday.
All you have to do to enter is turn up and smile – no coupon or entry token is needed.
To follow the competition on Twitter, search @Babyof theYear14, or "like" our page on Facebook by searching for Derby Telegraph Baby and Toddler of the Year.
SPOT OF LUCK FOR FAMILY:One lucky family have received a Neon love gift set from Lush, at the Intu Derby shopping centre as part of our spot prize giveaway. Kirstie Hickton, of Fulham Road, Mackworth, entered her five-month-old son Zavier. She said: "He did really well having his photo taken and has a great smile. I think the gift is really nice and it's such a surprise."
