Millie's March postponed due to brain surgery complications

Millie Bedford, aged 10 from Bromsgrove is fighting Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome, which is a rare genetic syndrome, usually related to sleeping difficulties, feeding and digestion complexities, unusual facial features and dental problems.

Millie was due to raise funds for Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome foundation on July 10 by completing a sponsored walk.

The inspirational youngster has already raised over £2,000 smashing her original target of £500.

Millie after her first operation.

However, brave Millie had brain surgery on July 3 to but suffered complications after the operation.

Mum, Charlotte Bedford said it was a scary time and was horrible to see.

"Millie had decompression surgery which is where a piece of bone is removed from the base of the skull to reduce pressure on the brain and allow fluid around the brain to flow normally," said Charlotte.

"We spent six days in Birmingham Children's Hospital while Millie recovered.

"On the fourth day back at home Millie became really unwell and was being constantly sick - she just was not herself.

"So we took her to hospital where she had a CT scan and doctors thought she had meningitis but later found out she had fluid on the brain."

The build up of fluid caused Millie to act out of character which Charlotte said was 'like a horror movie.'

Charlotte added: "There is only five per cent chance of this complication following her first surgery

"It was decided between myself and the surgeon that they try an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy, which is where a hole is made at the top of the brain through to the bottom to help drain the fluid.

"Although this has been successful so far this hole could close at any time so we need to keep an eye on it.

"For now, she's good considering what she's been through!"

Millie also suffered from meningitis so was given steroids and spent another six days in hospital.

As well as the numerous operations, Millie was also diagnosed with autism which was unexpected to Charlotte as she thought Millie's behaviour was a consequence of her Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome.

Millie received a hamper from St John's CE Middle Academy to say goodbye and good luck at Rigby Hall Special School.

"Millie starts at Rigby Hall Special School in September so hopefully her autism diagnosis will give her the support she needs as more people understand autism than Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome.

"She missed her last day at St John's CE Middle Academy as she was recovering from her operation but the school held a non uniform day for her on July 16 to fundraise for the charity."

Millies March is now set to go ahead on August 21 starting at The Nailers Arms at 12.30pm and ending at Sanders Park.

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/charlotte-bedford