Shropshire Star

How doctors saved seven-year-old Telford girl's life after she bumped heads in the playground

It's a parent's worst nightmare. When seven-year-old Darcey Grace Gourley bumped heads with another child in the playground, it didn't take long for it to become clear that something was seriously wrong. A few hours later, doctors were forced to operate to save her life.

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Darcey pictured in the middle with her mum Anna and her partner

Darcey, from Telford, featured in the Shropshire Star in 2020 when she was just four-years old for championing the NHS during lockdown.

She created dozens of colourful dough hearts in recognition of health workers who had gone above and beyond throughout the Covid pandemic.

Her craft project, which was supported by her mum Anna, caught the eye of nearly 20,000 people on social media, leading to people from all over the country asking for one of her rainbow creations.

Who would have thought the NHS would be called upon to save her life just a few years later?

Darcey pictured during the Covid lockdown in 2020 when she made a rainbow tree to show her support for the NHS
Darcey pictured during the Covid lockdown in 2020 when she made a rainbow tree to show her support for the NHS

On January 12 this year, Darcey was on the playground at school when a classmate fell into her and bumped his head just above Darcey's ear.

A few hours later, Darcey's health deteriorated. She was vomiting up blood and wanted to lie down, so was rushed to the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, for a CT scan.