East Kilbride schoolgirl who underwent five-hour spine straightening surgery meets hockey heroes

A schoolgirl who underwent a five-hour operation to straighten her spine has had a surprise visit from her ice hockey heroes as she continues her recovery.

Leah MacMiIlan from East Kilbride was diagnosed with scoliosis, which causes the spine to curve sideways.

As the youngster’s scoliosis became more severe, the 12-year-old had to limit the physical activities she could take part in as she experienced pain in her hips, and wore loose-fitting clothing to hide to curve in her spine and uneven shoulders.

It was ultimately decided she was was in need of urgent surgery at the Scottish National Spine Service at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh.

Surgeons attached steel rods to either side of the schoolgirl’s spine to straighten her vertebrae. Without the life-changing operation, the curvature in Leah’s spine would have worsened over time.

Her dad, Douglas, said: “Leah has been unbelievable the way she has dealt with everything. She is a remarkable girl, hasn’t felt sorry for herself, never complaining and has just put a smile on her face and carried on despite everything she was going through. We are very proud of her.

Leah's was living with a curved spine prior to surgery — Leah’s was living with a curved spine prior to surgery Glasgow Clan

“Thankfully, the operation has been a success and it means Leah can have a good life as she grows up into adulthood. She’s now two-and-a-half inches taller after the surgery straightened her spine and she just loves that.”

When Leah returned home following the operation, her parents Douglas and Lisa contacted the Glasgow Clan ice hockey team asking if their daughter could receive a card of support from the players.

However, the team decided to go one step further and surprised the ice hockey fan at home to personally pass on their best wishes for her recovery.

Her favourite player, Rob Lachowicz, said: “Leah sure is one tough cookie the way she has dealt with everything she has had to put up with.

“It was quite inspirational meeting Leah and she’s definitely a Kid Courage as far as I’m concerned.”

Leah’s goal is now to attend a Clan home game at the Braehead Arena by the end of October, a few days before she turns 13.

Leah had two steel rods attached to his spine to straighten the vertebrae Glasgow Clan

The schoolgirl said: “I was very surprised when the Clan players turned up at my house. I had been guessing all morning who was coming, as my Mum and Dad put extra chairs out saying we were getting surprise visitors. I had no idea that the Clan players could even do that and I was shocked.

“It was fun and exciting, as you only normally see the players on the ice, so it was cool chatting with them.

“It was amazing meeting the players and having a few things signed.

“I’ve been going to watch the Clan with my mum, dad and my papa for six years. I can’t wait to get back to Braehead again to cheer on The Clan.”

Douglas added: “We can’t thank The Clan and their players enough for taking the time to pay Leah a visit and spend more than an hour talking to her when we only asked for a card with a few messages from players.”