A COURAGEOUS girl who was thought to have just 24 hours to live is becoming a teenager this year.

When Maisy Kidd-Munnery was born nine weeks prematurely she suffered two brain haemorrhages that left her blind, unable to speak - she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a severe form of epilepsy.

As a newborn baby she weighed just 2lbs 12ozs and was treated in a special care baby unit fighting for her life.

Doctors told Maisy’s parents Sophie and Matt Munnery, of Dovercourt, that their daughter only had 24 hours to live.

But, more than a decade later Maisy has defied medical minds and will turn 13 in November.

Sophie said: “Maisy is honestly our miracle little girl, and has been such a brave fighter throughout her life.”

Now aged 12, Maisy still has a daily battle with pain and has up to 50 seizures a day.

As well as having a dislocated hip, which has deteriorated over the past year, and a deformed thigh bone, last year she was diagnosed with scoliosis of the spine meaning she has to wear a spinal brace to delay further deterioration.

Sophie added: “As a family we have been through quite a lot, but every day Maisy fights so hard.

“The winter is always long for us as Maisy finds it difficult to keep well as she is prone to infection, so we are looking forward to the summer.”

Sophie and her husband Matt care for their daughter around the clock and home school her.

To recognise her strength the pair entered Maisy for a Local Hero Award - which she won.

“Everyone says we do a good job with Maisy but the true strength and courage comes from within Maisy herself,” Sophie said.

“We are so proud of her and how she has defied medical minds and continues to amaze people when they meet her.”

On the night of the Dream 100 Local Hero Awards Maisy was presented with the child courage award which she accepted on stage with her family.

Sophie said: “It was amazing for Maisy to get recognition at the awards for her courage.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for our family to all be together and it will be a lasting memory in our hearts.”

To sponsor Maisy visit, www.gogetfunding.com/for-the-love-of-maisy.