In August our lives changed forever when our 2-year-old daughter, Audrey, experienced a catastrophic seizure. It lasted 80 minutes and her temperature soared to 42 degrees.

We watched as a room of doctors fought for nine hours to save her life at Warwick A&E. Once she was stable enough, she was transferred via Critical Care Ambulance to Stoke Royal PICU. She was late transfer to Birmingham Children's Hospital, spending a total of four weeks on life support.

What was first thought to be septic shock was later diagnosed as Autoimmune Encephalitis, a condition where the body mistakenly attacks the brain. Audrey had severe swelling on the brain and multiple organ failure. We were also told the devastating news that she had an acquired brain injury, likely caused by the initial seizure.

More than once we were told to prepare ourselves for the worst. That they were doing everything they possibly could, but her tiny body had undergone a huge amount of trauma.

But if you know Audrey, you know she has a spirit and determination unlike any other. Against all the odds, she pulled through the acute phase of the illness.

The doctors described the first eight weeks after Autoimmune Encephalitis as “putting out the fire.” Everything that comes after is “rebuilding the house.” And that’s exactly what Audrey is doing now. She is having to relearn everything she once knew, all over again.

Audrey has now been in hospital for 16 weeks, and in the new year will begin an intensive 12 week programme. Neurological rehabilitation is long, slow, and incredibly hard work. Once Audrey is discharged home, she will need to continue therapy in the community to maximise this vital early recovery window. Unfortunately, this type of specialist therapy is very expensive and in order to give Audrey the best chance, we will need to find a large portion of this ourselves.

Thank you so much for your continued love, kindness, and support. It has meant more to us than we could ever put into words.

We love you all,

Helen, John, Annie and Audrey xxxx