Heidi is just 19 months old. A couple of weeks ago, she began to display symptoms that were not typical of her happy, vivacious little self. After multiple visits to A&E, Heidi was admitted to Manchester Children’s Hospital where she then lost the use of her limbs and ability to move.

Then came the horrific news that no parent should have to receive. Heidi was diagnosed with a terminal, high grade, diffuse midline glioma. An aggressive, and malignant brain tumour that grows quickly and spreads throughout the central nervous system. Heidi’s tumour sits at the top of her spine making it inoperable. Not only is it inoperable, it is resistant to chemotherapy.

Since Heidi has been hospitalised, she has been moved onto intensive care after complications from the biopsy procedure arose. Heidi had suffered a bleed on the brain as a direct result of the invasive procedure and was fitted with a drain directly into her brain cavity. As she was heavily sedated, it was necessary to intubate Heidi which subsequently caused her lung to collapse on removal. This resulted in the tube being placed back into the lung where it still remains. It is currently unclear if the tumour is compressing the part of the spinal cord that is responsible for the respiratory system meaning its removal may not be possible at all.

The prognosis for DMG is extremely poor, however, with medical advancements and trials, there is still hope that Heidi can have some quality of life for however long that may be. She deserves to smile, to experience life and to feel the massive amount of love around her.

Jake and Megan, Heidi’s parents and big brother, Bentley (5) spend every moment by her side, leaving work and home life to one side whilst they care for Heidi and make her feel safe.

If you are able to give anything, no matter how small, it will help Jake, Megan and Bentley remain by Heidi’s side at this horrendous time.

Thank you so much 💕