Four-year-old Lillie’s day at a soft play centre turned into a nightmare when a slide accident left her with a severe spinal injury. What seemed like a harmless bump was the start of a harrowing journey into ‘accident induced scoliosis,’ where her spine ended up bent at a shocking 70 degrees. Despite undergoing three procedures, Lillie now wears a back brace nearly all day and faces major surgery in the future to insert metal rods—an operation that must wait until she grows bigger.
Her mum, Amelia from Earls Barton, recalls the family’s devastation: “You never imagine your child’s outing ending in such a trauma. When we got the news, it was unbearable.”
The family has confronted this challenge head-on. After Lillie’s diagnosis in 2023, the painful realisation hit that surgery attempts weren’t working. The love and resilience of the family shines as they work together to support Lillie, alongside the distractions of running a successful roofing business.
Finding time for relaxation amidst the chaos, they were able to secure insurance with Staysure after many companies turned them down. This allowed them to escape to soothing Turkey and plan future adventures, including a trip to Abu Dhabi. Amelia shares, “Family holidays were a source of joy before the accident; it’s reassuring to find a company that understands complex needs.”
Determined to help others facing similar battles, Amelia and Lillie have launched an inspiring Instagram account @lillielivingwithscoliosis. With its aim to support and motivate, it’s a testament to their positivity, even in adversity. Amelia is steadfast in her intent, declaring, “Lillie is our little unicorn-loving hero, and we want her story to comfort others going through this.”
Lillie’s journey is a powerful reminder of the unexpected twists life can bring—and the strength a family can find in the face of such challenges. Through sharing their story, they hope to be a beacon of hope and encouragement to others facing similar battles.