Zahraa Bangee

On 5th October 2010, aged 14, Zahraa suffered a brain haemorrhage whilst at school. It was so severe that local doctors transferred her to Alderhey hospital, Liverpool. It`s been a long journey; and when she did wake up she couldn`t breathe for herself and had lost movement of the left hand side of her body. She also underwent a tracheotomy, and was unable to talk. We were told that she would die; be trapped in her own body; be mentally and physically disabled or most importantly we would never have her back the way that she was. She began to communicate through gestures and by writing on a whiteboard. Zahraa showed great determination and drive to get herself back to normal, astounding all those who had encountered her, by walking out of hospital less than 3 months after falling ill. Staff at Alderhey called her, their `Christmas miracle`. Zahraa was back in school just four weeks later, catching up with her friends and teachers who have all shown steadfast love and support. In March, we returned to Alderhey, so that doctors could remove the area that had bled. After a 14 hour operation and 32 staples in her head, Zahraa once again began her journey of recovery. It has been an amazing journey, Zahraa`s strength, courage and determined spirit has left us all in awe of her. She has never given up, and dealt with every new challenge that has been thrown at her. I, as her mother, am incredibly proud of what a truly inspirational young woman, my daughter has become.