A cruel blow but brave Jamie battles on

By Jim Rhatigan
A BRAVE Kilkenny girl is facing the toughest battle of her young life.

Jamie Murphy, aged 11, of Graignamanagh, County Kilkenny, was due to have lifesaving surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London on Saturday.

But following pre-op tests, the beautiful young girl who suffers from Spina Bifida and Scoliosis, had her operation postponed.

Jamie had been brought to London in mid-week by her parents Emer and Peter and aunt Triona O’Brien.

Surgeons discovered that Jamie also has lung problems and her condition has to be tackled before any surgery can take place. She has now been placed in the ‘high risk’ category.

Starting in the next few days, Jamie will undergo oxygen therapy in a bid to improve her lungs before for the operation – six-hour surgery – in three weeks time.

Good humoured Jamie was an instant hit in Great Ormond Street where medical staff fell in love with her.