Erica Scoffings, Toddler With Meningitis, Makes Miraculous Recovery (PHOTO)

Michael and Michelle Scoffings, residents of Chesterfield in the U.K., are counting their blessings. Their 3-year-old daughter, Erica, is finally recovering from a life-threatening battle with meningitis.

According to the Sun, Erica's terrifying ordeal began in January when she came down with a slight temperature. The toddler went to bed at 7:30 p.m. that day, following her normal routine, and then woke up several hours later asking for a glass of water.

To her parents' horror, in just a few short hours Erica's temperature had soared, she'd developed purple blotches all over her body, and -- worst of all -- the blotches remained even when pressure was applied via a "glass test," writes the Daily Mail.

The Scoffings rushed Erica to the hospital where doctors diagnosed her with Meningococcal Septicaemia, a rapidly spreading blood-borne version of meningitis.

ITV news reports that the toddler was three hours from death when she arrived at the hospital. Her legs had gone black, and doctors told the family that they may have to be amputated; the septicaemia had destroyed enough flesh to begin exposing bone.

Miraculously, though, after months in intensive care, Erica has almost made a full recovery, and is improving much faster than anticipated.

"They said it would take at least three years for her to learn to walk again -- but she's shocked everyone and is toddling about after just a few weeks," Michelle told ParentDish.

The website adds that Erica heads to nursery next month, and while she "understands she's been poorly," her attitude has remained positive throughout the entire experience.

PHOTO of the Scoffings family: