Brave Luton burns survivor Shamiam Arif is one step closer to the groundbreaking surgery that will allow her to ditch her protective helmet and lead a more normal life.
The 10-year-old Foxdell Junior pupil saw award-winning craniofacial specialist Jonathan Britto (pictured right) at Great Ormond Street Hospital last week.
He has had a special titanium plate made to fill the bone defect in her head. This occurred after her skull was burned down to the lining of her brain in a devastating fire at her home in Pakistan.
Shamiam was only nine months old at the time. The prompt action of Muslim Hands charity worker Farooq Ahmed undoubtedly saved her life - he brought her back to Britain where renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon Professor Peter Dziewulski waived his fees to treat her devastating injuries.
In spite of losing both hands in the blaze, Shamiam is fiercely independent. She makes the most of her two ‘fingers,’ fashioned from her forearms in the Krukenberg Procedure.
Mr Britto also gave parents Mohammed and Tahira the welcome news that none of the trio of top surgeons who will operate in January will charge for their services.
The Herald&Post has been at the forefront of a campaign to raise funds to cover her hospital treatment.
Please help us to help her - send a cheque to United for the Needy (Shamiam Arif Appeal), 146 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 5JE.