"Inspirational" eight-year-old up for bravery award after coping with multiple bone conditions
Millie from Benfleet has been nominated in the Bravery category of the BBC Make a Difference Awards for her inspiring journey
Last updated 16th Aug 2024
An inspirational eight-year-old from Benfleet who has coped with multiple bone conditions is up for a bravery award.
At just 16 days old, Millie was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia, a condition where the hip joints do not develop properly and was treated by the Orthopaedic and Physiotherapy teams at Basildon Hospital.
Millie later developed Perthes’ disease in her right hip, which limited her movement and caused severe pain. She is now receiving specialised treatment at Broomfield Hospital, where a team led by Pranai Buddhdev monitors her condition and provides essential medication to help her bones form properly.
Her Mum, Michelle, said: "She doesn't need the award to recognise her bravery. To us, she's a complete warrior. Who even knew a bone could die and regrow? It's a lot for an eight-year-old to go through.
"Millie's currently in the regrowth stage which is stage 3 of 4.The last stage is when the bone remodels. So at the moment we're towards the end of the tunnel. But that tunnel will never end. I think they'll always be that little glimmer of will she potentially have a hip replacement when she's older or will this stem to something else? For now, though, our main focus is her mental health.
"She is at the age where she's understanding that she's different, but it's just trying to give her that mindset that it's OK to be different and that she's got a power.
With great bravery, Millie continues her recovery journey and recently shared her story with her classmates. Through a presentation, she explained her condition and why she is unable to run, jump or participate in high-impact activities with her friends, which played a key role in her nomination for the award.