A MOTHER has told of her heartache after her 11-year-old son suffered a stroke.

Doctors were stumped when Bailey Davies, then 10, from Pentre Halkyn, visited them with leg pains and severe headaches.

A series of tests revealed he was living with three blood clots in his brain and had suffered a rare stroke.

Bailey, a former pupil at Ysgol Rhos Helyg, Rhosesmor, under went major surgery and now takes daily medication to control his condition.

Now he is preparing to join the ranks at Mold Alun High School.

His mother Siân, of Allt-y-Plas, told the Leader: “We couldn’t believe our fit and healthy child had suffered a stroke.

“How he coped with it all was amazing because he was in a lot of pain but he soldiered through it.

“I am so proud that he has made it this far because it was touch and go whether he would live or not.”

The nightmare began in November last year when Bailey fell ill with a vomiting bug.
Siân, 33, said: “At first I thought it was something he had picked up at school.

“Then came the headaches and pains in his left leg and I noticed his eyes had started to turn inward.

“Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse he started having seizures every half an hour.”

Doctors at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, conducted an MRI scan and tested for conditions, including meningitis.

Only when he was transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, did specialists find three clots in his brain and announced he had suffered a stroke.

Surgeons inserted a shunt into his head which pumps blood from inside the brain and around the body.

Bailey now takes the blood-thinning drug warfarin to break down the clots and has regular eye checks to ensure nothing is awry.

Siân, who works as a part-time classroom assistant at Ysgol Rhos Helyg, said: “I was in bits during the surgery.

“It was the longest couple of hours of my life, but afterwards he was Bailey again and amazingly we were home the day after.

“Since all this happened things have been going well.”

Bailey was forced to give up his beloved membership to Halkyn Cricket Club when he fell ill but he is hoping to make a return to the sport when he gets the all-clear.

Meanwhile he is preparing for the move to secondary school in September.

“He is very excited to go to big school,” added Siân.

“He went on an induction and didn’t get lost which was a big deal for him.

“I will probably cry my eyes out on the first day but everybody loves Bailey. He is so gentle and laid back so I’m sure he will make friends.

“We finally have a light at the end of the tunnel.”

- BAILEY has sparked a fundraising drive by his family – mum Siân, father Ian, 36, who works at Tata Steel in Deeside, and little brother Evan, four.

Proceeds from a event they are planning to hold some time in September will be donated to the Imagine Appeal at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Siân is appealing to local businesses to support the cause by donating  prizes for a draw.

To donate, call Siân on 07873769473.