A GRANDMOTHER is calling for public support for Birmingham Children’s Hospital after they treated her four-year-old granddaughter.
Sue Steele’s granddaughter Isabella Beard – from Droitwich – was born with congenital limb deformities on the left-hand side of her body.
She was diagnosed with a rare condition called upper and lower limb hemimelia, which meant her left arm had formed in a fixed position in the womb, she only had two digits on her hand and a short thigh bone fixed at a 90° angle and eight toes.
At just two months, she started to receive treatment at the hospital, and after a seven-hour operation to amputate her leg, she is now starting to walk for the first time.
Sue said: “She has progressed brilliantly, and although she still has a long way to go, we are all so incredibly proud of what she has overcome at such a young age.
“Everyone at Birmingham Children’s Hospital has been amazing throughout Bella’s journey, and we are all so grateful for everything everyone has done for her.
“My heart goes out to all the families who will have little ones in hospital this festive season.
“If people are in a position to support the charity, please do, as you could make a real difference to their stay during the festive period.”
Miranda Williams, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, added that children in hospitals across the festive period could find it an overwhelming and incredibly difficult time.
“That is why our charity is on a mission to make our hospital as magical as possible and make sure sick kids like Isabella and their families are still able to make precious memories.
“Donations help to create exciting and family-friendly environments, purchase life-saving equipment and fun life-changing research into childhood diseases.
“With the help of the public, we can continue to give the sick kids in our hospital’s care the best experience possible and outcomes.”
Visit bch.org.uk/christmas to donate to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
