Sports superstars help to fund life-changing op for schoolgirl
A HOPEFUL gymnast will be able to have life-changing surgery after a huge fundraising effort – including help from Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton.
Erin Morgan-Ring, 14, will travel to Germany for the £40,000 operation to fix her “wonky spine” after a huge fundraising effort.
Talented gymnast and runner Erin dreamed of wanting to compete in the Olympics – but was impossible after doctors found a 65-degree curve in her spine. But she hopes to remain fit and active after well-wishers helped raise the money for her surgery – including Real Madrid star Bale and British and Irish Lions rugby captain Sam Warburton.
The pair donated kit to help fund the £42,000 cost of the Vertebral Body Tethering that Erin will undergo.
Erin was diagnosed with scoliosis and was told she would lose all flexibility at age 12 and she would not be able to do sports again.
Erin, of Heath, Cardiff, was told she could have surgery on the NHS to fuse her spine – but the operation could limit her future mobility.
Erin and her mum have instead raised money so she can travel to Germany for pioneering surgery with expert Dr Per Trobisch. Instead of rods being placed in her back, therefore restricting her movement, she will have nuts and bolts.
Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT), also known as fusionless surgery preserves flexibilty and growth by not stiffening the spine.