In April 2024, at the age of 4, Matilda experienced a prolonged seizure. Upon her arrival at University Hospital Coventry, Matilda was put into an induced coma before being transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she spent two weeks between Intensive Care and a ward, with doctors trying to understand what had happened and why.

The seizures caused inflammation to her brain, which in turn temporarily caused complications with her eyesight and coordination.

Matilda spent four days on Intensive Care before being moved onto a ward.

After weeks of recovering from temporary effects of her seizure, Matilda bounced back to her normal self, however genetic testing identified her diagnosis of Pol-G related mitochondrial disorder.

Matilda has been a source of strength in her own right throughout. She has revelled in showing off her improvements since coming out of a coma and being unable to walk or see properly and enjoyed her stay in a ward room and the company of nurses, doctors and physios. Since returning home, she has relished opportunities to enjoy the garden, playing with her little sister and returning to her swimming lessons. Matilda has made her parents and family beyond proud.