Brave sisters face double operation

Feb 7 2010 by Sara Nichol, Sunday Sun

“We first thought she must have hurt herself during the holiday but when we got home it didn’t get any better, so we took her to the doctors. The doctor said she needed to go for X-rays and referred us to a consultant.

“The consultant then diagnosed scoliosis of the spine. It was a huge shock for all of us, especially when we were told it was quite progressed.”

As Naomi was being referred to the spinal unit at the Freeman Hospital, a family friend who is also a consultant examined Lucy’s back and made the same diagnosis.

Sarah continued: “I spoke to the surgeon and he said it’s not unusual for siblings to both get the disease but he said it was incredibly rare that they both needed the operation.

“They’ve been so brave. It was a huge shock for them at first and they were quite upset, but they have got used to it now and they even make jokes out of it.”

As well as the risks attached to their operations, Lucy and Naomi have both have to contend with the risk that the metal rod may damage their spinal cord, which will result in them losing the use of their legs.

Sarah is making sure they are both spoiled rotten before they go into hospital at the end of March, and has arranged a series of treats.

On Friday, Lucy and Naomi, both pupils at Mortimer Community College, in South Tyneside, went along to Metro Radio station to meet the DJs and watch how everything is run.

Sarah, who has been receiving information and support from the Scoliosis Association, said: “We always listen to the station as a family, so I wrote in to tell them about the girls and see if there was anything they could do. They got back really quickly and invited us to go along and watch them on air, as well as meeting presenter Brian Moore.

“The girls were thrilled and so excited - it really was a great thing for them.

“They both really wanted to go to the X Factor concert in July but they’ll both still be recovering then and they won’t be able to go, so I’ve organised for us to go to a concert at the O2 Arena.

“I’ve also bought them a scrap book and diary, so they can keep notes and keep little things as they go through everything. I’ve written to ITV and Britain’s Got Talent to see if I can try and get them a few autographs from their favourite characters.”

“We’re all really positive about everything and are really appreciative of all the support and to Metro Radio,” added Sarah.