New lease of life for Wigan youngster one year after pioneering surgery

Hallie Campbell could not walk, talk or sit up, and had painful seizures every day, after being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.

Only 130 people worldwide have the condition - named aromatic amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCd) - including five in the UK, with Hallie being the only female.

But last year her family decided to launch a £70,000 appeal to pay for her to have gene therapy surgery in Poland, which was not available to her in the UK.

Thanks to fund-raising events and donations, they raised the money in just a few months and the procedure was done on November 5.

Almost a year later, Hallie has come on in leaps and bounds and doing things her family once thought would not be possible.

Her mum Lucy, from Hindley, said: “She is sitting up unaided. She is chatting away and has a few words, like book, dad, duck. She can wave as well.”

It is the first time her family has heard Hallie’s voice and she is learning to do new things all the time.

Her stepdad Barry Gumbley said: “It’s like a newborn baby when they start to do new things. We didn’t ever expect it. She’s eating lots of food, which we didn’t expect.”

Hallie is learning to walk using a frame, can interact more with other children and has a new-found love of books.

Barry said: “There’s not been a single seizure since. She is down to two medicines now, from 24 or 25 a day. It’s so much easier in the morning.”

Lucy says they are also seeing more of Hallie’s personality now.

“She is so mischievous,” she said. “Her little personality is coming through. She will put her hand over her mouth and laugh.”

Hallie, who attends Hope School and College in Marus Bridge, is continuing to have therapy and is expected to develop even further over time

The family is delighted by the success of the surgery.

Lucy said: “We’re 100 percent glad we did it. It’s the best decision we ever made.

“I remember the night before I couldn’t sleep and wondered if I had made the right decision and even thought the worst, like it could be the last time I saw her. It was the best decision we ever made.”

The family thanked all the Wiganers who helped to raise money, which has led to Hallie’s life being transformed.

Barry said: “A massive thank you to everyone who donated and helped to raise the money. It’s changed Hallie’s life.”

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