Kilkenny child with twisted spine will soon undergo life-changing surgery in the UK

A Kilkenny child in need of a life-changing operation in the UK will undergo surgery in the next two months. 

That's according to an update on a fundraiser created by ten year old Brianna Phelan Somers' mother Catriona, which has raised just under €5,500 out of a €15,000 goal. 

Brianna - who was born with Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida and and is a fulltime wheelchair user - was transferred to Temple Street Children's Hospital when she was a day old for her first surgery to close an opening in her spine. 

A VP shunt was then inserted seven weeks later as Brianna also has hydrocephalus. 

A year and six months ago, she had a growth rod inserted in her back which unfortunately failed, and eight months after that her shunt had to be replaced. 

According to her mother, her spine is now "completely twisted" and affecting her lungs and other organs. 

As appropriate facilities are not available in Ireland, she has been transferred to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in the UK for further treatment. 

Her consultant in Ireland believes she will have a "successful and complete outcome" after spinal fusion and plastic surgery. 

The Irish government will reportedly fund the treatment required in the UK, however her family and loved ones must foot the bill for accommodation and medical support. 

On August 2, her family were told they must attend Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital on August 22 to meet the team who will be involved with Brianna's care and surgery. 

The operation will then go ahead at the end of September or October. 

In an update, Catriona stated, "We really appreciate all the donations, well wishes and we ask you once again to please keep Brianna in your prayers and thoughts as we make this journey. [sic] Thanks once again."