Parents told girl may never walk before getting surgery while still in the womb

03 January 2024 , 21:53

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Piper Kelly with mum Georgia (Image: SWNS)

A little girl whose parents were told she would never walk is now running around after having spinal surgery while still in the womb.

Georgia Axford and Tyler Kelly, then just 19 and 21, were told their unborn baby had spina bifida after the 20-week scan. The condition causes weakness or paralysis in the lower limbs – and the parents were told it was likely their child would not walk.

The couple decided to travel to Germany for treatment, which meant their unborn baby was operated on in the womb – at a cost of £9,000. Piper-Kohl Kelly was then born healthy in July 2018 – and named after surgeon Dr Thomas Kohl. Now five, she can walk and run – and has even taken part in her school’s sports day.

Piper also had surgery at six months (SWNS.com)

The hole in Piper's back before and after the op (Courtesy Georgia Axford / SWNS)

Mum Georgia, now 24, said: “Seeing her run on the tracks was amazing. I never thought she’d be able to do something like that. Sometimes it doesn’t feel real. I think back to what we were told, and they were really negative about Piper’s diagnosis. I can’t believe it – we’re so lucky to see Piper achieve what she does.”

Spina bifida can leave sufferers dependent on supports and in severe cases, a wheelchair. Doctors were confident that this would be the case for Piper-Kohl, who goes by Piper.

'I gave birth in a car stuck in traffic - my baby ended up inside my trousers'

Georgia and Tyler with Piper (SWNS.com)

Piper used a walking frame as a toddler (Georgia Axford / SWNS)

Georgia, from Yate, South Glos, said: “I had Piper at 30 weeks. She was in intensive care for 52 days, and then we came home and began living our life like normal. Doctors always said there could be a possibility of Piper needing a shunt, so that was a waiting game to see if she was showing signs. At about six months, she did have one fitted.

“When she was around two, her physio gave her a walking frame. She used it for about a year while she was starting to walk, but now she walks completely independently. She does get really tired and can’t go for really long distances, but she does so well, considering what we were told.”

Piper-Kohl Kelly was named after her doctor (Daniel Dayment / SWNS)

The family also keep in touch with Dr. Kohl and the pair even share a birthday. Georgia said: “Whenever Piper does something which we didn’t think she was going to be able to do, I send him a quick update. He’s always been so lovely to us.”

While the family’s journey hasn’t been easy by any means, Georgia and Tyler are filled with pride over their daughter’s progress. “It hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine,” added Georgia. “Piper went through a major surgery at six months old and it’s been hard over the years with all her physio and doctors.

“It’s a miracle that she’s been through it and is who she is today. She’s been through a lot in her life. She’s so clever, and she’s such a kind and caring girl. She beats the odds all the time – and whatever she does, I’ll be so proud.”

Adam Aspinall