Hannah Bostock lived in Armadale, West Lothian who was born with multiple extensive CMN (Congenital Melanocytic Naevus) covering approx 70-80% of her body with about 100-200 other small naevi (satellites). This is not a rare occurrence in newborns as “birthmarks” are extremely common. However, the size and extent of this disfiguring condition is. An extremely rare complication of CMN is malignancy in the brain and spine, known as “neurocutanous melanosis” which occurs in less than 1% of those with “giant” CMN with additional satellites.

Tragically and devastatingly Hannah’s health deteriorated in the summer of 2010. It became extremely apparent that the medical profession in Scotland new little or nothing about the condition or the neurological complications which could manifest. Hannah had numerous scans, assessments by various professionals and an operation to remove a tumour from her brain. Hannah had developed Neurocutenous Melanosis and the treatment could only prolong her life as there is no cure. Hannah fell asleep in her mother’s arms in April 2011, aged ten.

Hannah loved to sing and dance and was at her happiest dressing up and performing to her favourite pop group’s music. She attended drama classes in Bathgate. She was an effervescent, sparkling child who loved to write stories. During Hannah’s short life she was put forward to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, as it was her wish to write and publish a book. The foundation worked with Egmont publishers to produce Hannah’s story into a fully illustrated children’s book - “Scary But Happy”. There have been two print runs and now the charity have arranged another print run of the book to celebrate Hannah’s life and mark a new campaign to raise funds for research, education and training for medical professionals and to support families affected by CMN.