A mum knew something was wrong with her daughter after she began to struggle walking in a straight line.
Five-year-old Silva Smith, from Halewood, began to vomit in the morning, before she started experiencing pain in her head. When her mum Kerry took her to the doctors, she was given medication but things did not improve.
Silva soon looked really pale and was lethargic, unable to focus her eyes or walk in a straight line. Aunt, Kathleen Hilditch said blood tests came back all clear, but Silva's mum knew something was wrong.
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Requesting further tests, Kerry took her daughter to Alder Hey due to Silva being so poorly. A CT scan was done the same day and the young girl was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Kathleen told the ECHO she was rushed for emergency surgery to relieve pressure on her brain after spinal fluid had built up and soon, a shunt was put in place which Silva will now need to live with permanently.
A few days later, Silva underwent a further nine hours of surgery, but doctors were unable to remove all of the tumour due to its location. The treatment means Silva has been left unable to walk properly, and she is currently undergoing physiotherapy with her family hopeful that she will be able to walk again soon.
Silva, who was diagnosed last June when she was just four-years-old, has undergone multiple brain surgeries and has metal plates in her head. She has also endured several rounds of chemotherapy and 30 doses proton therapy.
But despite everything, Silva has remained positive throughout, with her aunt Kathleen describing her as a "very happy little girl."
The family hope Silva's treatment could soon come to an end, and the youngster will be required to attend regular MRI scans. Now, they are sharing her story in the hopes of raising vital awareness of her condition, urging other parents to trust their gut instincts.
Family and friends completed Oli's Walk at Knowsley Safari Park in the hopes of giving back to Alder Hey for saving their daughter's life. Giving a special thanks to consultant Dr Barry Pizer, James Hayden and Dr Thorpe in Manchester's Christie Hospital, her loving family said Silva has received much support from the "most amazing doctors and nurses".
Kathleen added: "Alder Hey are just incredible. They are amazing. Also a big thank you to Milly Smiles Bags and Williams gifts, Chics Liverpool and the Owen McVeigh foundation, for offering support throughout."
Anyone wishing to donate and support Alder Hey can do so online here. More information about brain tumours can be found by clicking here.
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