Schoolgirl from Lenzie who needed brain surgery after sinus infection switches on hospital Christmas lights

A schoolgirl who needed brain surgery after catching an extreme sinus infection was chosen to switch on the Royal Hospital for Children’s Christmas lights.

Ava Steel, from Lenzie, had been feeling extremely tired before she woke up with a severely swollen red eye and a drooping face, raising alarm bells for parents Suzanne and Andrew in May earlier this year.

After being rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children over fears the ten-year-old had a stroke, it was discovered she had a sinus infection.

Her condition continued to deteriorate over 48 hours and neurosurgeon Dr Roddy O’Kane said that brain surgery was necessary to properly clean out the infection.

Ava's sisters reassured her before her surgery. — Ava’s sisters reassured her before her surgery. NHS via Supplied

Although this could leave a significant scar on her forehead, Ava’s sisters reassured her that it was okay because she would look like Harry Potter – her favourite movie character.

However, mum Suzanne revealed that the operation was a success and left minimal scarring.

She said: “We were a mess waiting for Ava but as she exited surgery, there she was with no scar and her hair beautifully styled in French braids.

“Mr O’Kane advised that the procedure was a success and that he managed to enter along the hairline to leave minimal scarring.

“Then the nurses washed and pleated her hair. I thought the surgery had not happened when I saw her.

“We were overwhelmed by the number of experts ready to help our child. They wanted to ensure the best approach.”

Despite the surgery going well, Ava experienced delayed allergic reactions to antibiotics, requiring multiple rounds of treatment and a seven-week stay at the Royal Hospital for Children.

She has since been recovering followed by months of outpatient treatment.

On Thursday, Ava was chosen by the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to switch on the Christmas lights with Santa at the RHC – as a reward for her resilience over the past year.

She was joined by her parents, who shared Ava’s medical journey and their highs and lows of the year.