An inspirational young woman who was left unable to speak or swallow needs your help.
Sophie Mallon has lived in the Walton Centre for over a year after rare brain condition meant she had to learn to talk again.
After spending 12 months in intensive care, Sophie touched hearts across the nation when BBC's Hospital captured the first words she spoke since losing her voice as a symptom of an " acute inflammatory episode" .
Smiling at her emotional grandparents, Sophie could be heard saying "Hi Grandad" in a faint voice, as her proud grandfather Norman Pendleton, 70, filled up with tears.
Regaining her voice has been an incredible achievement for Sophie, who was nicknamed "Little Mermaid" after Ariel who got her voice back, and now she is appealing for help to get her life back.
The 23-year-old has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for rehab that would allow her to go home and live a normal life.
On the page, Sophie explained what had happened to her over the last year and five months, including being put into an induced coma, and made the plea for funding.
She said: "Last April myself and my family were told there was a very high chance that I’d never walk/talk again (my vocal chords were completely paralysed as a result from the damage on my brainstem) and that I’d never live a normal life.
"Here I learnt to walk again, breathe on my own without a tracheotomy and talk.
"It’s been a long process but I am at the point of going to rehab, I still need to build the strength up so I can eat and drink.
"I have recently been denied funding for rehab which will be essential for me in getting home and back to normal life.
"I’ve started this page to see if I could raise the funds required for the intense rehabilitation I require for mental and physical needs, which will allow me to go home with independence .
"I am beyond grateful for everyone’s support so far on my journey, I will keep pushing to raise awareness for ADEM."
Sophie's health problems began when she woke up with vision problems that she thought were being caused by her contact lenses.
A CT scan showed a small leison on her brainstem, that was originally believed to have been a tumour.
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After inflammation on the brain spread, Sophie was eventually diagnosed with ADEM (Acute Disseminating Encephalomyelitis).
She lost the ability to swallow and cough, before struggling with her breathing.
A seizure that left her unconscious meant Sophie was transferred to urgent care in an induced coma, where she remained for the next year.
So far, Sophie has raised almost £3,000 of her £78,000 goal on her GoFundMe page.
Many of the people who have donated have posted messages of support on the page.
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Lesley-Anne Small said: "Such an amazing beauty, the courage and determination she has shown has been beyond measure for one so young.
"Continue to shine bright beautiful and lets get you home."
Nakisha Nicholls also said: "Such an amazing young lady showing such strength and courage. I wish you all the best x"
If you would like to donate to Sophie's page and help her fund her rehab CLICK HERE .
