A schoolgirl was rushed to Edinburgh's Sick Kids hospital after suffering a rare side effect from Covid.
Caroline Banbury has not moved from seven-year-old daughter Bella's bedside after she was flown from Aberdeen and placed in an induced coma.
The family say medics suspect she contracted Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS), an extremely rare side effect of coronavirus, which leaves children with a compromised immune system.
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Since developing PIMS, previously healthy Bella has contracted both appendicitis and pneumonia. The mother and daughter, from Lossiemouth, were flown to Edinburgh after the schoolgirl's condition deteriorated.
The youngster first presented with a fever and stomach aches, which doctors treated with antibiotics, before carrying out an operation to remove her appendix.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, her mother Michelle Gunn, said: "On Wednesday Bella was complaining of belly ache was sent home from school and then sent to the unit in Elgin. They said she had appendicitis but kept her on antibiotics to try and clear it.
"Her temperature was still very high 39.9c, with a rash on her body and erratic moods. She was then sent to Aberdeen hospital and had her appendix out.
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"When she came round she couldn't breath, her pulse and heart rate were racing and we were then told they had to give her adrenalin through a major vein in her neck.
"She then went back into surgery and was placed in a coma. She was then airlifted that day to Edinburgh where her condition had not changed and she is still in an induced coma. They are certain this is a PIMS case.
"Caroline is constantly with Bella at the moment."
Michelle Gunn, Bella's godmother set up a fundraising page to support the family which has brought in over £2,000 in donations so far.
Many friends and family passed on kind wishes to the family at this extremely difficult time.
Kay Bingham said: "Bella and her Mum are some of the most beautiful souls I have the honour of knowing. Get well soon Bella."
Julie Day said: "Cal and Bella. We can only send our love, thoughts and prayers for both of you. Your strength will get you through this heartbreaking time."
While Melanie Kenyon added "Sending lots of love! Bella is a little shining star and she will come through this with her amazing mummy by her side. Get well soon little one."
