Brave Ruth

Ruth Smith, aged 13, who suffers from the growth stunting condition achondroplasia, has developed spinal stenosis and faces an operation at Pendlebury Children's Hospital later this year.

Ruth was awaiting surgery on her legs and ankles when she collapsed in pain three months ago.

Doctors discovered Ruth's spinal column was narrowing which caused her to lose feeling in her legs. She is undergoing a series of MRI scans and surgeons are hoping to operate this summer.

The setback has meant Ruth that will have to wait until the autumn before she can have the corrective surgery on her legs.

Ruth is a former Child of Achievement and has won scores of medals in the Dwarf Games.

Mum Lynn said: "After Ruth competed in the Dwarf Games last year she started getting pain in her knees. We took her to hospital and they found her ankles were out of sync and her legs were bowing. Doctors said she needed her legs and ankles broken, re-set and plated, which is what we were waiting for when she collapsed in March.

"She now has to wait for her leg operation as it is too dangerous with her spinal condition. If Ruth did not have the operation and the spinal chord continued to be squashed then ultimately she wouldn't be able to walk."

Lynn, who lives with Ruth, her son, Phillip, and husband, Dave, in Shire Hills, Prestwich, said the past six months have been difficult for the Prestwich Community High School pupil.

She said Ruth was in a lot of pain and spends much of her time in a wheelchair. She also attends lessons part time, but continues to be optimistic and jolly.

Lynn said: "Ruth has every intention of going to the World Dwarf Games in Paris next year. Even if she competes in a wheelchair, or can't actually compete, she will still go and join in. To keep up her spirits, Ruth has been round the estate with her dad fundraising for the England team. So far she has raised £380 and received letters of support, which have really cheered her up."