GAIL Dootson is living testimony to the expertise and professionalism of a North-west medical team who gave her a new lease of life.

Gail, 28, has undergone revolutionary treatment and beaten the odds after cynics gave her little chance of recovery.

Since birth Gail, who lives in Dunscar with parents Norma and Roy, has suffered a series of neurological problems.

They affected her schooling, adolescence and early adult life. In October 1993 she was referred to Hope Hospital, Salford, where a scan revealed a spinal tumour. In the following February she underwent major surgery.

After surgery, hopes were high of a complete recovery.

But Gail lapsed into post operative shock and for 3-months "lost" her life and only responded when her parents presented her with a poodle pup named Ben.

Mum Norma said: "When Gail's arms moved it was like a curtain lifting - once again we had our little girl back. It was like a miracle."

During this period Gail underwent further surgery to remove a blood clot from her leg and, once again, it was the expertise of the team in the Brain and Spinal Injuries Unit at Hope Hospital who gave her a chance.

But last December Gail was re-admitted after a second scan revealed a huge cyst on her back.

In the operation a special device was fitted into her spine which drains fluid from her back and ensures she is able to function properly.

When allowed home at Easter, Gail could only get around in a motor scooter and wheelchair. Now she is able to walk a short distance and prays her present progress will continue.

Norma said: "We could have let everything get on top of us and given way to the self pity which, at times, engulfs you. But we decided we owed a great deal to the team whose expertise and dedication gave Gail the chance of a life."

Already the family's fund-raising efforts have raised morre than £2,000 - not only for the Brain and Spinal Injuries Charity based at Hope and founded by Bolton businessman Derek Gaskell - but other charities too.

A concert held last Saturday at Walmsley parish hall featuring Flixton brass band and various members of several operatic groups across Bolton raised a further £1,000.

Norma added: "We can never thank the team at Hope and Mr Jones, the consultant in particular, enough."

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