Ciara was born a beautiful baby girl, and all of our dreams really did come true the day she was placed in our arms. 

Just a few short weeks later we discovered that she had a very rare form of a strawberry birthmark (haemangioma) growing on her face at an alarming rate. We were quickly sent over to Gt Ormond Street Hospital so that they could manage her condition. Unfortunately we then discovered that she also had birthmarks in her throat too, and possibly lungs, and they were stopping her from breathing properly. Ciara was admitted into Gt Ormond Street Hospital immediately where she was placed on high level steriods and admitted to theatre to laser the sub-glottic birthmark in her throat. Sadly, the operation didn't go to plan and we found ourselves by Ciara's intensive care bedside for three very worrying days. Fortunately the team found a way to stop her internal bleeding and eventually we were able to bring our baby girl home. 

Over the years Ciara has continued to receive specialist care from many departments at Gt Ormond Street, directed by the Dermatology team, and as you can imagine, we will always be eternally grateful to the team for saving our daughter's life. 

Ciara is now 17 years old and has just received what we hope will be her last laser treatment, but has required 16 operations. Dr Syed who first diagnosed her has been at her/our side throughout. The laser clinic is currently marking its 30th anniversary and will be renamed the Harper Syed Laser Clinic in honour of two of its most dedicated professionals.  

Back in 2018 I trekked 286 miles around Cornwall and raised over £3K for the laser appeal. In 2019 I set out with my amazing friend Jayne to continue the walk as GOSH needed funds to pay for new lasers. We got half way through our journey and Covid hit our phase two of walks. They've been on-hold since, but this year (by hook or by crook) the last part of this journey will be completed by me. We want to mark the end of Ciara's treatment and also to say a final thankyou to GOSH who've supported us over so many years. 

Sadly there are still so many children waiting for treatment and the cost of lasers is high. If you can help in anyway, we would be enormously grateful. 

You can also follow my journey on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mumsjourneyofthankstogosh/