Cuckfield mother and daughter battle ‘traumatic’ eye condition

An 11-year-old girl and her mother from Cuckfield are battling a ‘traumatic’ eye condition.
Ellie SmithEllie Smith
Ellie Smith

Ellie Brown had two eye operations after being diagnosed with Keratoconus at the end of last year, after which her mother Michelle Smith was told she has the same condition.

Michelle said: “When she was diagnosed it didn’t sink in, I didn’t know what to think because I didn’t know much about it.

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“They said it won’t get better, which was quite traumatic. We didn’t know what to expect.”

Keratoconus causes the typically dome-shaped cornea to thin resulting in a cone-shaped bulge and possible sight loss.

“I don’t know how she did it, the pain after my operation was quite bad, and I only had it in one eye, she had it in both. I was really impressed,” Michelle added.

Ellie’s sight is now stable but being monitored.

Michelle continued: “We were told we were lucky the opticians spotted it, as it can’t get better but it can get worse.”

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She applied for the KalliKids Sponsor a Child Scheme to give Ellie a boost through the trauma.

“Ellie was terrified about what she was going through. She needed something to look forward to and the KalliKids Sponsored Child gave her this. I would never have been able to afford it otherwise,” Michelle said.

“Ellie has learned how to use a sewing machine and made herself a bag.

“For me watching her confidence grow has been the main boost.”

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KalliKids launched Sponsor a Child back in January to enable youngsters across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire to learn a new skill for a year for free such as swimming, tennis, maths or drama.

“It came at the right time, she needed something to look forward to,” Michelle added.

Ellie was one of 21 youngsters chosen and since Easter has been attending sewing classes with Made and Making in Ditchling.

Her mum said it has been worthwhile for Ellie, who attends Warden Park School in Haywards Heath.

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“After Ellie’s operation I was also diagnosed with the same condition which added to stress levels in the family. We are now going through procedures to see if it is a genetic issue,” Michelle explained.

“For Ellie, Made and Making has helped her socially. I think the scheme is simply brilliant.”

Made in Making offers a range of sewing and craft lessons across Sussex.KalliKids is an accreditation service representing around 313 providers of children and family services and has more than 3000 parent members. Each provider has been checked and recommended by parents before being accredited.

Karen Bach, founder, said: “I am really proud of Sponsor a Child. We have had such positive feedback from everyone involved. The youngsters are benefitting in so many ways.”

Michelle added that Ellie received fantastic care at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, in particular from consultant Samer Hamada.

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