Girl 'frightened' by hospital wants to help others

Betsy is fundraising for space-themed machines that help children prepare for an MRI scan

A girl who found brain scans "scary" wants other children to benefit from rocket-themed scanner imitations which help calm patients.

Eleven-year-old Betsy, from Blackburn, was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition after having a sudden seizure at a friend's sleepover in February.

She was rushed to hospital after a scan revealed lesions on her brain, and she was then diagnosed with a rare neurological condition causing inflammation in her brain and spine at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital (RMCH).

"Being in hospital is frightening. The doctors and nurses at RMCH are really kind and help me to not feel frightened but tests and scans are still scary," Betsy said.

Her mother Rebecca said: "Waiting for the results were some of the hardest times we've faced. When they finally came through, we were so relieved to hear it wasn't a tumour."

Betsy's hospital experience has motivated her to take part in a charity walk to raise funds for playful, rocket-shaped simulators that help children overcome any anxiety linked to having an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan.

Betsy (left) and her family will do a charity walk to raise funds for the rocket-themed machines

Children can lie down inside the "rocket scanner" which has lights and sounds similar to a real MRI machine.

Interactive games reward the child with points to help them understand the importance of remaining still during a scan.

Rebecca said specialists had used a Lego model to show her daughter how an MRI machine works but the scan was "a daunting prospect for her".

"The new Rocket Scanners will make such a difference for children like Betsy, turning something scary into something fun and familiar."

The family have already raised £2,000 ahead of the first "pyjama walk" at Heaton Park on 8 November to fundraise for them.

Dawn Stone, senior events manager at Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, said: "We're so proud to be hosting our very first charity Pyjama Walk this year.

"It's a lovely opportunity for families to come together to make a difference for our young patients, and experience Heaton Park as the seasons change."