A SCHOOLGIRL who has spent the last six months in hospital could finally return home this summer.

Poppy Smith was taken into hospital in September after a severe reaction to a cold-like virus. The six-year-old was off school on September 21 with mild cold-like symptoms but woke the next morning unable to swallow or move her arm.

Since then, the youngster, from Gullane, has been at Edinburgh’s Sick Kids, after being diagnosed with a rare condition called acute flaccid myelitis.

The community rallied together to help raise more than £68,500 for Poppy through a variety of fundraisers.

Poppy’s mum and dad, Laura and Mark, told the Courier it had been a difficult period. Laura said: “The last six months have been an emotional rollercoaster, with progress invariably being followed by set-backs.

“Mark and I have to focus all our attention on Poppy and our other children Alex and Jessica, so we don’t have any involvement in [fundraising campaign] Team Poppy ourselves.

“We have been astounded by the kindness of local people, some of whom we have never met. At such a dark and difficult time it has been amazing to feel this incredible support from our local community.”

The condition damages the nerves in the spinal cord – in Poppy’s case those supplying the speech, swallow and breathing muscles as well as her limbs. Unfortunately, Poppy still cannot eat, speak or breathe for herself and her discharge is a long way off, probably late June.

However, she is making remarkable progress with her walking, arm function and head control, showing determination, courage and strength.

Laura added: “It is great to know when we do get Poppy home we are bringing her back to this wonderful community that has rallied around us; and the money raised will help ensure Poppy has a great quality of life, despite her disabilities.

“We know from other families that there are limitations and gaps in the NHS provision in terms of community care and equipment. Ongoing support from fundraising mean these expensive items are within our reach in the years ahead.”

Local GP Dr Fiona Ferguson, who was involved in setting up the fundraising appeal, thanked everyone who had helped.

She said: “Our target of £40,000 was deliberately ambitious, so we were amazed when we smashed it within three weeks. The generosity of people across East Lothian and beyond has been overwhelming. It makes you appreciate how fortunate we are to live here.”

The money is already being put to good use, with an iPad and communication app purchased to give the Gullane Primary School pupil a voice.

A specialist tricycle, which will allow Poppy to exercise her legs whilst her upper body and head are being supported, is on order and will be funded through a donation from North Berwick Rotary Club.

Donations have also paid for a specialist taxi to bring Poppy home for a few hours each weekend.

Laura added: “It’s been six months since Poppy was admitted to hospital, during which time she has mostly been isolated from other children in intensive care, so it has been wonderful for Poppy and all of us as a family to enjoy a few hours of relative normality back at home in Gullane.

“We are really grateful to Team Poppy for funding the taxi trips, as it will be some time before we get the specialist car our family needs.”

The JustGiving page is set to close but fundraising will continue, with Team Poppy joining forces with Tree of Hope. Donated money will be held by the charity for exclusive use for Poppy until she turns 25.

Local fundraising also continues, with a series of events planned over the coming weeks, including a Big Cheese Night on May 20 and a Team Poppy East Lothian Football Festival on June 10.

To support Poppy, go to www.treeofhope.org.uk/team-poppy