It has been a pleasure to care for Hannah

Hannah’s surgeons are now optimistic about her future after a series of life-saving operations.

Raju Sangra, a brain surgeon at Glasgow Royal Children’s Hospital, said: “I am always very positive for these children and for Hannah there has only been one incident where I really thought she might not live and that was when she was in critical care and had stopped breathing.”

His colleague David Koppel, who specialises in skull, face, neck and jaw surgery, paid tribute to the seven-year-old’s family. He said: “The demands on Judith as a mother are incredible. She has been

Paediatric surgeons David Koppel and Raju Sangra

amazing. She tells us when Hannah is unwell and she is always right about that. It has been a real pleasure looking after Hannah.” Mr Sangra added: “Coping with an extended period of medical care takes a superhuman effort and you have to wonder if you were in a similar position whether you’d have the strength to get through it.”

The pair have carried out multiple operations on Hanna’s skull to increase its volume and accommodate her growing brain, and have twice rebuilt her face. This procedure is known as monobloc advancement by distraction osteogenesis. Only 30 per year are performed in the UK. Mr Koppel said:

“The expectation is that Hannah would have a normal life span.

“By and large once growth is completed the child or adult by then is in a steady state and the necessity for close observation diminishes, but they still might need some interventions.”