LITTLE Eliza Bentham was facing a life and death situation after losing blood due to complications from a twisted intestine.

The six-month-old was rushed to Southend Hospital’s A&E department by her worried parents Darren Bentham and Carmel Abi-Aad, just 15 weeks after being born when she was found semi-conscious and bleeding in her crib.

Carmel, 27, of Bournemouth Park Road, Southend, said: “Things deteriorated very quickly and the hospital staff worked hard to figure out why Eliza had become so poorly.

“Eliza continued to lose a lot of blood, her abdomen started to extend and she went into hypovolemic shock – a life-threatening condition where a severe loss of blood and fluid prevents the heart from pumping enough blood around the body. It took several hours to stabilise her and we were told we would be heading straight to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) by ambulance.”

Eliza underwent an urgent laparotomy operation where an incision was made through the abdominal wall to get into the abdominal cavity.

The surgery revealed that her intestine 720 degrees, cutting off the blood supply to the bowel.

Fortunately, the initial surgery was successful, though Eliza was kept paralysed and given a drug called TPA until her next operation 24 hours later.

The family, were able to stay at Rainbow House, which is owned by the Sick Children’s Trust, for the duration of Eliza’s stay at GOSH, which proved to be more than six weeks.

Carmel said that during the time they were able to get some much needed sleep and speak to other families that were in a similar situation to themselves.

The tot underwent one more operation and several small procedures before she was allowed to return home and she has since made a good recovery at home.

Carmel added: “We don't know what we would have done without the help and support of this amazing charity. Before Eliza had become unwell we didn’t even know The Sick Children’s Trust and its ‘Homes from Home’ existed and then all of a sudden we were reliant on it. We can’t thank The Sick Children’s Trust enough for their help and support during such a difficult time in our lives.

“Eliza underwent one more major operation and several small procedures before she was discharged. Thankfully, she is now recovering well at home. Without The Sick Children's Trust we honestly don't think we would have had the energy to nurse Eliza back to full health. We would like to thank staff at The Sick Children’s Trust and everyone who donates to this amazing charity.”