Make a difference
Any child can sustain an illness or accident which results in a devastating life-changing neurological condition
Why the Tafida Raqeeb Foundation
The need for Paediatric Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre was soon realised when parents in similar situations began contacting Tafida’s parents.
Around 6000 children are diagnosed with serious brain injury in the UK every year which result in devastating effects on the child and their family.
Children rarely receive the rehabilitation they require, predominantly due to the lack of available support.
There is a limited number of specialist rehabilitation beds for children and young people in the UK.
Acceptance to relevant services come with strict pre-requisites and waiting times can be lengthy. Private treatment is very expensive.
All in all, many children have little access to rehabilitation and do not reach their full potential.
Delivering support for these children and their families is the sole aim of the foundation.
Tafida's story
Tafida Raqeeb was a healthy, bubbly4-year-old girl with a zest for life. She had an infectious giggle and an angelic smile which would brighten up any room. Chattyand sociableshe entertained both children and adults alike.
All this changed when in the early hours of the 9February 2019, she woke complaining of a headache. Within minutes, she collapsed. Doctors found that a blood vessel in her brain had ruptured.
Tafida had an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM); a complex abnormal tangle of blood vessels in which an artery bypassed a capillary bed and connected directly to a vein. The high pressure caused arteries and veins to dilate, weaken and becomesusceptible to rupture and haemorrhage.
Tafidahad emergency surgery and was then transferred to another hospital where the battle to save her life continued. Tafida was on mechanical ventilation and constantly demonstrated the will to live, fighting off several infections.
She continued to fight despite being given a negative prognosis. On 19 June 2019, treating doctors predicted that she would suffer from a major stroke and die within two weeks.
The treating clinicians wanted to withdraw lifesaving treatment and divert her care to palliation. The family requested a transfer of Tafida’s care to Italy but the hospital refused and legal proceedings were commenced.
Her parents’ plea reached millions around the world. Tafida was given the right to live by the Judge and was allowed to be transferred to Italy where she continues to steadily improve.