A brave toddler has astounded doctors with her swift recovery from a stroke – after her parents were told she may never walk again.
Two-year-old Blossom Burton, of Lythwood Road, Bayston Hill, suffered a stroke on August 15 after contracting chicken pox two months earlier, an extremely rare occurrence in youngsters.
She was left paralysed down her left side and spent a month in intensive care at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
But three months on, Blossom, who wears a foot splint, can now run around with her friends following intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Her progress has delighted her proud parents Helen, 35, Richard, 37, and her sister Olivia, 10.
And tomorrow, Friday, Blossom’s friends and minders at Hillside House Nursery, Lyth Hill Road, Bayston Hill, will be raising money for the youngster in the spirit of this year’s Children in Need appeal.
It is hoped all the cash raised from dressing-up and a cake sale will go towards physiotherapy costs and help secure specialist equipment for Blossom during her rehabilitation.
Helen, who has to help her daughter with everyday activities, said: “The stroke is very rare and was caused by the chicken pox virus, and there were concerns she would not walk again. We do not know whether she will get 100 per cent better but she is showing good signs of progress.
“She has coped amazingly well and she has always been a very independent, determined and happy girl. She may have to take an aspirin every day for the rest of her life to reduce the risk of having another stroke, and the blood vessels in her brain are still healing.
“Mercure Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa has been happy for us to use their pool free of charge as often as we like which has helped Blossom immensely in building up her strength and we want to say a big thank you.
“We would also like to thank Hillside House Nursery from the bottom of our hearts because we know their support and help has really helped Blossom’s recovery and she has come on in leaps and bounds.”
Nursery owner Janet Phillips said everyone was very fond of the youngster who will celebrate her third birthday on Tuesday.
She said: “Everyone knows Blossom and she is a beautiful child. We feel we want to personally help Blossom on Children in Need because she is one of our children and part of the gang.”