Thank you for supporting the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital Charity in this years Reindeer Run!

This year Mali will be running the Noah’s Ark Reindeer Run. 

Since May 2020 Mali has been an outpatient at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff due to an Atypical Micro-bacterial Infection on her face.  

Back in April 2020 we noticed Mali had swelling on the right side of her face, she was originally diagnosed with Mumps (over video link due to COVID-19) after a week there was no change so we rang back and she was given Antibiotics but the diagnosis was still Mumps. Another week went by and we weren’t convinced she had Mumps. Other than having the swelling to the side of her face which looked like mumps she hadn’t been unwell in herself at all. After another video call to the Dr she was referred to Morriston Hospital for an Ultrasound Scan. The phone call we had to follow her ultrasound scan cut like a knife as we were told they were unsure if the lumps/swelling were Cancerous. As you can imagine we were in pieces. 

We had a follow up appointment shortly after with Dr Costello at Morriston Hospital in Ears, Nose & Throat. After an examination and a long chat it was then we were told that it was likely she had this Atypical Micro-bacterial Infection but she would need a Blood Test and a Chest X-ray to confirm. Mali was then referred to a specialist consultant (Dr Evans) in Noah’s Ark in Cardiff for treatment. 

Surgery to remove the infection was not an option as it was next to the nerve that connects to her mouth so Mali was given 3 different types of Antibiotics which she would need to take over an extended period of time. It’s October and Mali is on month 6 of Antibiotics (which all taste vile). The antibiotics are working and the infection is slowly going. We have everything crossed that at our next appointment with Dr Evans in November we will be told that Mali no longer needs to take antibiotics and the infection has gone. 

We also have an appointment with Dr Costello to discuss whether Mali will need surgery as the scarring is quite nasty at the moment. Time will tell. 

We as Mali’s parents are unbelievably proud of how brave she has been throughout. Not only has she been taking her medication daily she has had to deal with the infection breaking through the skin and being exposed which was quite painful at times and now she wants to run so she can raise money for a great cause.