Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Aaron Curran

Mum to make baby's 'last summer' special after devastating diagnosis

A mum wants to make her daughter's last summer special after she was given an incredibly rare diagnosis.

Fay Elliott, originally from St Helens, became pregnant with her second child, Maisie, in 2021, but early on in the pregnancy the mum was told something wasn't right. Doctors told the 27-year-old that her daughter was too small throughout the pregnancy, and there were issues with the blood flow to the baby.

The severity of Maisie's condition became clear after she was born weighing just two pounds, and was whisked away by doctors. Following genetic tests, it was discovered that the newborn has Galloway Mowat syndrome - a rare genetic condition characterised by neurological abnormalities and early onset progressive kidney disease - making her only the fifth case in the world.

READ MORE: First look inside former Beehive pub after major rebrand

Now 16 months old, her condition has meant that Maisie still only weighs 11 pounds, and requires around the clock care. Mum Fay told the ECHO: "She was taken away from me at birth and I wasn't able to see her for 26 hours, those first few hours are so important so when I saw her it was like looking at someone else's baby.

Fay Elliott wants to make her daughter Maisie's last summer special (Fay Elliott)

"I think her dad tried to stay strong through it all, but it was all so difficult. I was diagnosed with severe PTSD following the birth."

Maisie requiring constant care has meant Fay has had to give up her career as a nurse, and relocate to an area where her daughter can receive the hospital treatment that she needs, with Maisie's dad James, 30. She added: "I've given up my nursing career to care for her as she needs 24 hour attention and oxygen.

Fay Elliott wants to make her daughter Maisie's last summer special (Fay Elliott)

"She has a constant cat-like cry, and the only thing that soothes her is flowers. After being told this would be her last summer, we just want to make it as nice for her as possible and build her a garden she can enjoy."

Maisie has a four-year-old brother called Harry, and Fay believes the garden would be perfect for him to spend time with his little sister. She added: "Harry is extremely gentle with her, but it has been hard for him emotionally due to Maisie not being able to respond. He shows her different sensory lights and would love to lay in the garden with her."

Last year, the garden was turfed by landscapers, however a drainage problem has left the family's garden rotting and flooded, with Fay quoted almost £4,000 to fix the damage.

To support a Go Fund Me set up to help cover the costs of the garden, visit here.

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here

READ NEXT

The 24 most wanted men in the UK as police issue 'do not approach' warning

Social care worker had 'relationship' with teenage boy in her care

Woman's windows rattled after hearing 'two explosions' from home

Killer who tried to burn cousin's body appeals murder conviction seven years later

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.