Angelina Massingham, a one-year-old from Gresham, Norfolk, has defied the odds after undergoing a radical operation that left her with only half a brain. The toddler, who giggles happily in her mother's arms, bears scars from a seven-hour procedure at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to treat a rare condition causing life-threatening seizures.
Diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome at just 18 weeks old, Angelina suffered from calcification of brain tissue that triggered regular fits. When medication failed to control the seizures, surgeons cut open her skull and detached the damaged right hemisphere, severing nerve connections before stitching her back up.
Her mother, Lisa Massingham, 34, said: 'The operation sounded terrifying. But Angelina was having more and more fits. It was her only chance.' The couple, who have two other children, faced a two per cent risk of Angelina dying during surgery but were told success would reduce seizures by 80 per cent.
The operation in June was a success, and Angelina has since made a full recovery. She has had no seizures post-surgery and is learning to crawl again. Although she has a slight weakness on her left side and cannot use her left hand, the left side of her brain will adapt to perform functions of the missing half, allowing her to lead a normal life.
Lisa, who has raised £10,000 for Great Ormond Street, said: 'She's such a happy little girl and is always laughing and smiling. When she's old enough we'll tell her about her remarkable operation.'
