Houghton family's message of support to NHS as 13-year-old daughter's urgent surgery is postponed due to coronavirus crisis

Lucy Finch was due to have surgery to straighten her spine next month after being placed on the urgent waiting list in December 2019.

The 13-year-old has severe scoliosis, which is where the spine twists and curves to the side.

The curve in her spine has rapidly worsened in the last 12 months and is now at 70 degrees.

Lucy, who attends a specialist provision school in Sunderland, was placed on the urgent list for surgery at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and was due to have the life-altering operation at the end of April.

But due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, parents Deborah and Luke, of Houghton, have been told the surgery has been postponed.

“We are scared that she’s going to have to wait but our thoughts and concern is with the people that are now lying in the hospital bed instead of Lucy,” said Deborah, an assistant headteacher in County Durham.

“Our first thought was just one of support for the NHS really. They have looked after her so well and we know they will always continue to do that.

“We don’t think we’re the only ones going that are having a tough time with what is going on.

“We are staying in our homes, playing our part, and doing our bit for the fight really as I know so many are.

“I think it’s more encouragement rather than rebuke and to ask for everyone to do their part.

“If Lucy could say what she want to say it’s just be good for each other.”

The 13-year-old, who was born with an area of brain damage, has microcephaly, a condition where the head is smaller than normal, and a learning disability – and experiences anxiety around this.

“She’s not really able to process things in a certain way, we help her rationalise. She’s anxious, it’s hard to be brave sometimes and she needs a lot of support. She gets that at home and at school,” said the 41-year-old.

Lucy is a selective mute and only speaks to members of her immediate family although she has started using a small whisper in the classroom which Deborah says is a huge step.

Lucy is aware of the curve in her spine and worries about its appearance as well as they impact it has on her physically.

And she remains anxious about the operation – which could last up to 10 hours.

“With a child like Lucy, you have to really prepare them and reassure her that she’s going to be okay,” said the mum-of-four.

“We are disappointed without a doubt that it has been postponed but it’s not unexpected, we knew a call would be coming.

“She’s so frightened to have her surgery but she’s more frightened she’ll stay looking the way she is right now.

“Now it’s about everyone doing their bit to help [stop the spread] which in turn supports the NHS.

“I think if Lucy could ask people to do that then she would.”