A baby born with a birthmark on her face needs three surgical procedures costing more than £11,000 – but has been denied treatment on the NHS.
One-month-old Vienna Brookshaw was born with congenital melanocytic nevus, meaning she has an extra build up of benign pigment cells.
They appear as a large birthmark between Vienna's eyes and forehead, which will expand as her head grows.
Vienna, who was born on April 6 at York Hospital, has been told she cannot get treatment on the NHS as the mark does not affect her physical health.
But her parents believe the birthmark could seriously affect her mental wellbeing, Yorkshire Live reports.
If you want to help fundraise to pay for Vienna's treatment, click here
Mum Celine and dad Daniel, from Yorkshire, have chosen to take Vienna to Portland Hospital in London to get the surgery privately.
Celine said: "Vienna is a happy one-month-old baby who is loved unconditionally.
"We wouldn’t change her but it is important to get this removed before she starts school."
Celine explained Vienna will have to undergo an MRI scan as there may be a small risk the mark goes deeper beneath the skin, overlaying the central nervous system.
The scan costs £3,374 and Vienna will have to undergo three serial excision surgeries to remove the birthmark beginning when she is around 10 months old.
She will then have to repeat the procedure six months later, and again six months after that. The total cost will be £11,258.
Celine is taking part in a fundraiser to help her daughter.
She said: "We will be competing in the Total Warrior Half on July 9th 2021 which is a 6k run including 15 challenging obstacles, which we are currently training for, so we can help raise as much money and awareness for Vienna and her condition."
"Any money raised above the amount for Vienna's treatment will be donated to a children's charity.
"We would be hugely thankful for any donations that are going to change our daughters life."
The NHS has been contacted for comment.
The NHS website says: "A birthmark can be removed on the NHS if it's affecting a person's health.
"If you want a birthmark removed for cosmetic reasons, you'll have to pay to have it done privately."
