Heartbreak as girl, 11, paralysed after rare condition saw her body’s immune system attack her spine – Sunderland Echo

Malika Mawhinney still has a smile on her face after everything she's been through

Malika Mawhinney was a sporty and active child before she was struck down by a rare condition.

The feisty girl, who has trained in gymnastics since she was three, was diagnosed with transverse myelitis a severe swelling of the spinal cord which is caused when the bodys own immune system mistakenly attacks the spine.

Devastatingly despite months of treatment including a plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin, Malika, from Washington, is paralysed from the chest down she is able to use both of her arms but only has movement in her dominant left hand.

Malika, pictured two years ago, has always loved sports

Her family are waiting to move into a home which can be adapted to meet the needs of the 11-year-old, who is currently sleeping in the familys living room, and are raising funds to help with the move.

Mum Debbie Mawhinney said: "The diagnosis has shattered our family and Malika. Even though she has her down days and gets angry at what has happened she is still a very happy bubbly girl and can always make me smile.

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"The biggest thing is that she has done sports her entire life. Shes been boxing for five years, doing gymnastics since she was three and she loves running.

Malika was in hospital for over four months

She has days where she gets really upset. She asks why did it happen to her and says she doesnt want to be like this anymore.

"Im so proud of how well she is adapting, I think shes coping better than I would have.

"The house isnt big enough and she cant really move around.

In March, Malika was rushed to Sunderland Royal Hospital after suffering a pain in her back and lost all feeling in her legs.

Malika pictured making cakes the day before she collapsed

She was transferred to Newcastles Royal Victoria Infirmary for further scans but doctors couldnt find the cause.

After a number of days and multiple transfers between the two hospitals, doctors found what they thought was a tumour on Malikas spine before she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis although its not known what caused it to develop.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, Malika spent more than four months in hospitals with mum-of-four Debbie never leaving her side.

As a result of her the spinal injury, Malika also has autonomic dysreflexia, which could be potentially life-threatening.

Malika has movement in both her arms and her left hand.

Malika is recovering at home and is hoping to start secondary school in October as teachers need to be specially trained.

"She gets a lot of spasms in her legs and tremors that she cant control, said Debbie. All of the nerves in her legs are still working its the messages from her brain that cant get there because of the spinal cord injury.

It normally lasts a few minutes but its lasted for hours before and it really gets her down.

"She asked the doctor if they could chop her legs off one day. It was heartbreaking.

The family set up a Go Fund Me page asking for donations to help for the cost of moving and for household items.

Malika Mawhinney

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Heartbreak as girl, 11, paralysed after rare condition saw her body's immune system attack her spine - Sunderland Echo