A PROUD mum has spoken of how she is “eternally grateful” that her daughter’s life was saved after a terrifying health scare.

Natalie Gallagher’s daughter Ava, now 10, was admitted to the Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) back in 2014 when she was five years old.

It was just in the nick of time as they were told it would have been a “totally different story” had it been one day later.

It marked the beginning of a gruelling stint in hospital for the youngster, who was found to have an ear infection which had passed to her brain and caused a blood clot.

She was then rushed to the Leeds General Infirmary for emergency surgery to remove the mastoid bone from behind her ear as it was severely infected.

Ava then returned to the BRI, where she stayed for a further four months, so she could have intravenous medication for the infection.

She also had to undergo blood tests every four hours.

Once her medication was reduced, there was a bright spot on the horizon as Ava could return home.

A nursing team visited each day to give her blood thinning injections, which meant she then only needed to go to hospital every other day for checks.

Miss Gallagher, 37, from Yeadon, said: “ All through this she never complained and although she still gets poorly often, she always has a smile on her face.

“I will be eternally grateful for my daughter’s life been saved as we were told it would have been a totally different story if it had been one more day.”

At the moment, Ava is suffering with glue ear, which is when fluid blocks the middle ear, and gets regular ear infections, but it’s hoped treatment she is receiving for this will mean she does not have undergo further surgery.

Over Christmas, kind-hearted Ava was determined to bring a smile to the faces of other children having to spend time in hospital.

In a sweet gesture, she decided to make bath bombs, hot chocolate and popcorn cones to raise money for the children’s ward at the BRI as a way to buy toys for the playroom.

It’s a cause close to her heart in light of the many months she spent in hospital receiving treatment when she was younger.

“Even though Ava was too poorly to go to the playroom when she stayed there, the staff still made sure she had toys and games in her room,” Miss Gallagher said.

Ava raised a fantastic £91 and then went to choose the toys to be delivered to the ward to brighten the days of little ones.

Ava joins a number of other festive fundraisers who have gone the extra mile to do what they can to bring smiles to the faces of those in need.

Miss Gallagher said: “I’m just so proud of her, it was all off her own back.”

The doting mum said Ava is also thriving at school despite what she has been through.