A Lanarkshire teen born with extreme spina bifida is now chasing after her siblings within the smallest wheelchair in Scotland.
Three-year-old Amber McRae, from East Kilbride, was born along with her spinal twine exterior her physique and endured 12 complicated surgical procedures after she was born with a severe type of the life-changing situation and fluid on her mind.
The tot, who's believed to be Scotland's youngest wheelchair consumer, is paralysed from the waist down.
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Amber has now enrolled in nursery and loves chasing her siblings in her custom-made wheelchair.
Only a day after lately celebrating her third birthday, Amber underwent neurosurgery to suit a shunt in her head to empty extra fluid on the Royal Hospital for Youngsters in Glasgow.
Mum-of-three Leanne Belch, 37, stated: "She's the bravest little lady and all the time smiling regardless of every little thing she has to deal with.
"She spent her third birthday in hospital and the workers went out of their method to make it as particular as doable.
"She had presents and balloons surrounding her and everybody made such a fuss of her.
"Medics on the youngsters's hospital are simply astounded at how nicely she's doing.
"She has been by means of a lot for her age, however she simply takes all of it in her stride.
"Nothing will get her down, she actually is our personal little miracle."
The East Kilbride Information beforehand instructed how Amber's large sister, Laila, battled by means of the ache of her juvenile arthritis two years in the past to boost funds for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBHS) – the charity that cares for Amber.
Then seven, Laila spent three hours posting photos of rainbows on lamp posts to boost cash for the charity which struggled to remain afloat through the coronavirus disaster.
Leanne discovered at her 22-week scan that Amber had myelomeningocele spina bifida and hydrocephalus, which have brought about her mind to be positioned additional down into the higher spinal column than regular.
It additionally means that there's further fluid in and across the mind which may trigger ventricles within the mind to change into too massive and the pinnacle also can swell.
Docs warned Amber can be born along with her spinal twine and nerves from it uncovered and visual on the skin of her physique, and would wish emergency surgical procedure on her backbone as quickly as she was delivered.
Regardless of these setbacks, Amber was lately given a specially-adapted wheelchair - believed to be the smallest in Scotland - to assist her get round.
Leanne went on: "It is given her a brand new lease of life and a lot independence.
"She will get in her chair and chases after her siblings. It is simply good to see how nicely she's doing.
"The chair was made particularly for Amber, and we had been instructed it is the smallest anyplace in Scotland.
"It has opened up a world of prospects to her and he or she's now in nursery full-time too.
"We're so happy with the progress she's making - she's simply unbelievable."
The household says they're grateful for the help they obtain from Glasgow Youngsters's Hospital Charity.
Leanne added: "I actually do not understand how we'd have coped over the last three years with out them.
"Not solely are they good help to Amber, however our complete household too.
"Their play group helps take Amber's thoughts off being in hospital and all of the limitless assessments she has to undergo.
"They make her snort and actually handle to brighten up her day.
"At instances I've felt down about all of it, however simply seeing Amber progress and start to thrive as a standard wee lady retains me going.
"We're simply so grateful for the assistance the charity has given us, it truly is a lifeline to households like ours."
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