Joy as op means Redditch schoolgirl Amelia really has kicked her curves - The Redditch Standard

Joy as op means Redditch schoolgirl Amelia really has kicked her curves

Redditch Editorial 22nd Nov, 2019   0

BRAVE teenager Amelia Hart has thanked the people of Redditch for making her life-changing spinal surgery possible.

The talented footballer has been at the centre of a massive campaign #ameliakickshercurves to raise more than £81,000 for vital surgery to not only correct the curvature in her spine but allow her to carry on playing the sport she loves.

The operation had to be done as soon as possible, while she was still growing, sparking a huge and heart warming fund raising response from not only the local community but the wider footballing family as well with celebrities Andy Gray, Susanna Reid and Rachel Yankey all throwing their weight behind the campaign.

In the end a Redditch donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, gave the family a £17,000 loan to ‘get her over the line’.




And so last Wednesday, escorted by mum Lisa and dad Carl, the 15-year-old Bordesley schoolgirl underwent surgery at St George’s Hospital in London.

In the nine hour operation surgeons successfully corrected the curvature in her spine – a condition known as idiopathic scoliosis – which would have crippled her in later life.


They inserted titanium screws into her vertebrae, using a flexible cord and tension to align the spine into a straight position.

The same operation on the NHS would have seen metal rods inserted in her back, effectively ending the sporting career of a youngster who plays football at county level and who is a huge Blues fan.

Now in recovery, Amelia, who attends South Bromsgrove High School, said: “I want to say a massive thank you for all the support I received and to everyone who made this treatment possible.

“And for all the kind wishes and messages of encouragement I’ve received since. It means so much to me.”

After Amelia’s story first appeared in the Standard in October, she went on to be a guest on Good Morning Britain, had a charity football game dedicated to her and paid a visit to Birmingham City FC where she met her favourite players.

Mum Lisa said: “Amelia is receiving wonderful care and and her pain is being managed.

“She is progressing well and recently walked up and down a flight of stairs.

“We are so proud of her.”

Lisa, who said fundraising would continue, added that she has been overwhelmed by the ‘fantastic compassion’ people had shown to get the treatment Amelia so desperately needed.

“Complete strangers who we have never met have shown immense kindness and generosity.

“Thank you to all of our supporters.”

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