Burntwood girl receives 'best Christmas present ever' after surgery to fix spine
A Burntwood girl has received "the best Christmas present ever" - a fixed spine - after more than £50,000 was raised through the generosity of people across the Midlands to pay for her surgery.
Florence Seager suffers from Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine which, without an operation, was set to significantly worsen putting pressure on her heart and lungs and seriously impacting her future health, education and career prospects.
The 11-year-old had been forced to wear a brace 23 hours a day and endure considerable pain so her parents were determined to raise the money necessary to pay for special surgery in Turkey which is unavailable on the NHS.
Fundraising events, including a "Run For Flo", a choir concert and a race night took place before the Covid lockdown in March but planned pub quizzes, a karaoke night and sponsored bike ride had to be postponed.
In August Florence's story was featured on BBC Midlands Today and within 36 hours viewers took the amount raised to just over £52,000 meaning the 11-year-old could have the surgery she desperately needed.
On November 30 Florence, who is one of triplets, flew to Turkey with parents, Corinne and Clarence, for the operation at the Acibadem Hospital in Istanbul.
It involved Vertebral Body Tethering, a procedure which sees screws put into the spine which are connected by a flexible cord.
The system works by compressing one side of the curved spine, straightening the curve as the patient grows.
The benefit is that just one operation is required to correct the spine curvature instead of several which would have been necessary through the procedure offered by the NHS.
The operation was performed on December 4 and was a success.
Florence, whose sisters Alice and Evie don't have the condition, said: "I am very happy that my spine is fixed and I'm proud to have had Dr Alanay and his team do my surgery.
"I was nervous about coming to Turkey because I did not want to leave my family but I was also excited because I was going to be fixed.
"The team at Acibadem are really kind, caring and they reassure you.
"I'm glad I had my surgery in Turkey and I want to thank everyone who donated so that my spine could be fixed."
'Incredible'
Florence's mum Corinne, aged 46, said: "The team at Acibadem are incredible, from the patient coordinator, Tais, who organised every detail of Florence's trip and surgery, to the surgeons, the nurses and assistants.
"Florence's care has been second to none and we would make the same decision in a heartbeat.
"My daughter has had the best Christmas present ever - a fixed spine.
"We are forever grateful to Dr Alanay, his team and everyone at Acibadem."
She added that the family remains supportive of the NHS and the care the team at North Staffs Hospital provided since Florence's diagnosis in 2016.
Corinne added: "More than anything we want to say a huge thank you to every single person who has supported Florence so that she could have this surgery."
