Future's bright for girl, 2, hit by stroke

When two-year-old Blossom Burton suffered a rare stroke after contracting chicken pox, doctors thought she might never walk again.

The toddler, from Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury, was left paralysed down her left side and spent a month in intensive care at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Three months on and Blossom, who wears a foot splint, is going from strength to strength following intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Her parents Helen, 35, Andrew, 37, and her sister Olivia, 10, are delighted with her progress.

And tomorrow, Blossom's friends and staff at Hillside House Nursery, Lyth Hill Road, Bayston Hill, will be raising money for the youngster in the spirit of this year's Children in Need appeal.

It is hoped all monies raised from dressing up and a cake sale will go towards physiotherapy costs and help secure specialist equipment for Blossom during her rehabilitation.

"The stroke is very rare and was caused by the chicken pox virus and there were concerns she would not walk again," said mum Helen.

"We do not know whether she will get 100 per cent better but she is showing good signs of progress.

"She has coped amazingly well and she has always been a very independent, determined and happy girl. She may have to take an aspirin every day for the rest of her life to reduce the risk of having another stroke and the blood vessels in her brain are still healing."

Helen said the family were extremely grateful to the Mercure Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa, near Shrewsbury, for allowing them to use its pool free of charge. She said this had helped to build up her young daughter's strength.

She said: "We would also like to thank Hillside House Nursery from the bottom of our hearts because we know their support and help has really helped Blossom's recovery and she has come on in leaps and bounds."

Nursery owner Janet Phillips said everyone was very fond of the youngster who will celebrate her third birthday on Tuesday.

By Russell Roberts