About Ellie May from www.elliemay.info
"At 2am on the 28th July, we took Ellie to hospital because of a very high temperature and sickness. We pointed out that her limbs were cold and that her nappy was dry, but they could find nothing wrong. We were sent home at 7.30am.
After returning home and going to sleep, Ellie woke for a bottle and we found that her nappy was still dry and she was sick again. When Ellie tried to sit up, she was very limp and fell forward, we then saw three small mauve spots on her back. We tested the spots by rolling a glass over them and they didn't disappear. We were now worried that it may be meningitis and rushed Ellie back to the hospital where a doctor confirmed our worst suspicions and immediately began treatment.
Once being diagnosed with this illness, Ellie was transferred to St Mary’s hospital intensive care unit for children at Paddington.
When we arrived at St Mary’s hospital, Ellie required CPR due to the severity of this illness. Once placed into the intensive care ward, Ellie began her fight for life.
During the 4 weeks that Ellie was in intensive care on a ventilator, she had regular scans on her organs, received physiotherapy and had one to one 24 hour nursing of the highest degree. The amount of equipment was incredible and Ellie had up to 12 infusions of different antibiotics and painkillers at a time. The nursing staff have to be specially trained for the equipment.
As Ellie slowly recovered and her drugs were reduced, we saw her eyes open for the first time in three weeks.
Unfortunately, one of the effects of septicaemia (blood poisoning) is that the blood supply to the limbs is cut off to keep blood flowing to the vital organs. We were told the devastating news by the doctors, that there was more than a 90% chance that Ellie would loose her legs as the blood supply had not returned. However, every chance would be given for the blood supply to return, before the final decision would be made. A week later we were given the tragic news that Ellie was definitely going to loose her legs and also her hands.
After leaving intensive care, Ellie made good progress in her recovery and it was decided that she would be transferred to Broomfield hospital in Chelmsford for the amputations of all four limbs.
On the 9th September Ellie underwent 6 hours of surgery. The result of the operation was both arms amputated to just below the elbows and both legs to above the knees.
Words just cannot explain the sight of seeing your child after an operation like this and bought home to us the amazing speed and devastation that MENINGICOCCAL SEPTICAEMIA can cause.
Since leaving hospital Ellie has made a remarkable recovery and can now crawl and use her ‘arms’ as if it was natural and recently received a bravery award organised by Closer Magazine.
She has been fitted with NHS legs which are very heavy and have no moveable joints. To enable Ellie to have as normal a life as possible The Ellie May Trust has been set up.
There are NO administration costs; every penny goes into Ellie’s trust.
If you would like to donate money, items for auction or would like to know how Ellie is progressing, you may email Ellie’s Grandparent, Hazel by clicking HERE or Ellie’s Uncle, Darren by clicking HERE."
Lightnin’ and Ellie May
Lightnin’ Drama Group made the decision to make the Ellie May Trust our first charity, this means that a percentage of the money raised from shows and events that we perform in are given straight to the Ellie May Trust.
Both the Management and Cast of Lightnin’ Drama Group would like to offer their support to Ellie May and her family and hope to raise as much money as possible to help her
If you would like to find out more information about Ellie May please visit her official website at www.elliemay.info