Ella's treats for hospital

A Chesterfield girl who suffered a life-threatening stroke is raising funds for the city's Children's Hospital.
Ella WoodwardElla Woodward
Ella Woodward

Ella Woodward was just ten years old when she suffered a rare brain bleed, as the result of a tangle of abnormal blood vessles in her head - a condition thought to affect less than one per cent of the population.

Ella was rushed to hospital and, within hours, was transferred for specialist care at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

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The youngster, who until that point loved rhythmic gymnastics and playing hockey, was unable to walk, use her right arm and had difficulty speaking. After two days, her condition deteriorated and she was rushed for emergency brain surgery where the tangle of blood vessels in her brain was successfully removed and Ella began the long road to recovery.

Mum Laura said: “When she did come out of surgery, she was covered in tubes, pads and with a big head bandage. Over the next few days she slept a lot and I had to feed her teaspoons of yogurt.”

A team of physiotherapists, consultants, nurses and play specialists helped Ella to slowly regain her coordination.

Laura added: “We used to make chocolate lollipops as the whisking helped her coordination. She would use one hand and then swap to build up her strength. When Ella came home for the weekend we would bake cakes for all the staff.”

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Seven months on and Ella and her mum are holding a bake sale on June 24 to raise funds for the hospital that put her back together.

Laura said: “Ella loves baking now, especially eating the cakes. I am so proud of Ella and everything she has achieved. We will keep baking as part of her therapy.”