They're the football mad twins who have overcome huge health problems to lead out their heroes at St Mary's.

Nine-year-old Blossom and Tilly Hodson were mascots as Saints took on West Ham on Boxing Day, something their proud mum thought would never be possible. 

Mum Eli told how the girls had been diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome in the womb and were given only a 33 per cent chance of survival. 

Born 11 weeks early, family were told to prepare for the worst, and that it would be a miracle if Tilly made it through the night. 

(Image: Family collection) READ MORE: Race for Life and Pretty Muddy to return to The Common this summer

Miracles do happen, especially at Princess Anne Hospital, and despite daily medication for Kidney Dysplasia, Tilly is thriving alongside her sister Blossom, with both girls loving school, swimming and particularly football. 

Eli said: "Miracles do happen, and Blossom and Tilly are just that. Still under the care of Southampton Hospital, Tilly especially has fought every single obstacle thrown her way.

"I was told she may never walk or be able to live a normal lifestyle. So, just nine years later, for the girls to lead two premier league teams out, in front of 32,000 fans, is something in 2015, in my wildest dreams, I never envisaged."

(Image: Family collection) Every home match, a group of 12 family and friends including the twins, their mum and 13-year-old brother Max, make the 45 mile pilgrimage from Warminster to sit in the Chapel stand, although you won't find Mancunian dad Craig at St Mary's unless his beloved City are playing. 

The family's love affair with Saints began after they spent so much time visiting Southampton for hospital appointments. Now six years clear of leukaemia, the girls then four-year-old uncle Finn Martin was diagnosed in the same month they were born and spent time on the Piam Brown Ward.

Eli added: "It's just so fantastic how Southampton was 'the city of doom' for us at one point, but how quickly that's changed and how far the girls have come.

"It was such an emotional day and the girls were made to feel really special.

"Southampton will always hold a special place in my heart."

(Image: Family collection)