BRAVE teenager Amelia Hart has thanked the Bromsgrove community for making her life-changing spine surgery ‘possible’.
The talented footballer had mum Lisa and dad Carl by her side as she went under the knife at St George’s Hospital, London, last Wednesday.
Amelia, aged 15, was unconscious for nine hours while surgeons successfully corrected the curvature of her spine caused by a condition known as idiopathic scoliosis.
They inserted titanium screws into her vertebrae, using a flexible cord and tension to align the spine into a straighter position.
Now in recovery, the South Bromsgrove High School pupil said: “I want to say a massive thank you for all the support I received and to everyone who made this treatment possible.
“And for all the kind wishes and messages of encouragement I’ve received since. It means so much to me.”
Friends and family of Amelia, who is a huge Birmingham City fan and plays football at county-level, feared she would never kick a ball again.
But after launching the ‘Amelia kicks her curves’ campaign and plenty of perseverance they managed to raise the £81,000 needed for private surgery in less than two months.
After Amelia’s story first appeared in the Standard in October, she went on to be a guest on Good Morning Britain, had a charity football game dedicated to her and paid a visit to Birmingham City FC where she met her favourite players.
Celebrities Andy Gray, Susanna Reid and Rachel Yankey all threw their support behind the youngster’s campaign.
An anonymous donor also got in contact with Amelia’s family just days before her surgery was due to take place.
That person offered to lend the remaining cash needed, around £17,000 at the time.
Mum Lisa, who led the campaign, said: “Amelia is receiving wonderful care and and her pain is being managed.
“She is progressing well and recently walked up and down a flight of stairs.
“We are so proud of her.”
Lisa added she continued to be overwhelmed by the ‘fantastic compassion’ people had shown to get Amelia the treatment she desperately needed.
“Complete strangers who we have never met have shown immense kindness and generosity.
“Thank you to all of our supporters.”
