Shropshire Star

Oswestry mum on the run for children's hospital which cared for daughter

A mother is dusting off her running shoes to raise money for a hospital which cared for her daughter.

Published

Olivia Thomas says she hasn't run since she was at school, but is now in training to run a half marathon.

Miss Thomas, a 23-year-old legal receptionist, gave birth to daughter Violet in August 2012 but when she was just days old she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a build-up of cerebro-spinal fluid on the brain.

She said: "I am running the Chirk Castle Half Marathon for Alder Hey Children's Charity because they do an amazing job.

"In August 2012 I gave birth to my gorgeous daughter Violet.

"After having some complications with my epidural, I wasn't very well after having her via Caesarean section.

"A few days later, I held her for the very first time, which was amazing. I will never forget that feeling holding her in my arms, sat up, admiring her.

"Before I knew it, everything changed. The same day, one of the nurses on the ward mentioned to me that Violet's head seemed a bit swollen. Shortly after, Violet was taken for an ultrasound on her head.

"Thirty minutes later, a doctor came in and turned my world upside down. She told me that Violet had something called hydrocephalus."

Miss Thomas, from Ascot Road, Oswestry, said the condition sees the excess fluid build-up cause increased pressure on the brain.

"This caused Violet's head to become enlarged due to the increased fluid," she said.

"The next day we were taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool ready for surgery the following day.

Alder Hey were incredible.

"Unfortunately in December 2012, the ETV failed and had to be carried out again. Violet has regular check-ups and scans to make sure everything is still ok."

To sponsor Miss Thomas, who has already raised more than £360, visit www.justgiving.com/violet-mair

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.