As Christmas approached, one family in Worcestershire, England, had a miracle to celebrate: their little girl, Lily Young, took her first steps—an achievement doctors once feared might never come, according to an exclusive report with Mirror. Her journey is not only one of medical triumph but also of perseverance, love, and faith in the face of hardship.
Lily’s story began in December 2020, when her parents, Alice Thomas and Dan Young, welcomed her into the world. Her birth appeared normal at first, but within 24 hours, Lily started coughing up yellow mucus and suddenly stopped breathing. The medical team at NHS Worcestershire Royal Hospital rushed to stabilize her, placing her in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where doctors made a shocking discovery. Lily had Sturge Weber Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterized by a port wine stain birthmark and abnormalities in brain blood vessels.
According to Alice, “After Lily was born, we were told she might never be able to walk, however, a few weeks ago, she took her first steps. To see her walking was the most amazing feeling.” Despite her diagnosis, Lily has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming one challenge after another. “She has overcome so much at such a young age. Despite everything that’s happened to her, Lily is a happy, smiley little girl who loves playing with her big sister. She’s continuing to defy all expectations.”
Faith in the Face of Uncertainty
The news of Lily’s condition was devastating to Alice and Dan. The young parents were left with uncertainty about their daughter’s future. “Dan and I were so worried about Lily. We were too scared even to close our eyes to sleep, so one of us was always awake with her. We hardly slept for weeks,” Alice recalled. The fear of the unknown was overwhelming, but they leaned on each other, their medical team, and the support of their family and faith.
While navigating the unknown, the family found solace in small victories and the kindness of others. St. Paul’s words in Romans 12:12—“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer”—took on a new depth for them as they prayed for their daughter’s healing and strength.
A Community of Support
Lily’s diagnosis required ongoing medical attention, including treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she received care from multiple specialists. Due to the extra blood vessels affecting her brain, she suffers from seizures and muscle weakness on one side of her body. She also developed glaucoma in her left eye, which required surgery. According to her surgeon, Joe Abbott, “Lily’s surgery went well. We lowered the pressure in her eye. This allowed the surface layer of her eye to clear and take the pressure off her optic nerve to allow her to develop better vision.”
Despite these struggles, Lily’s family found comfort in connecting with others who shared similar experiences. Alice set up an Instagram account to raise awareness about Sturge Weber Syndrome, which led her to meet other families facing the same journey. “We surrounded ourselves with people who knew what we were going through and it was a massive help. We didn’t feel as alone,” Alice shared. Through this, they met another family whose daughter also receives laser treatment for a port wine stain. “One Mum, Beth, whose daughter Daisy also has laser treatment for a port wine stain at the Children’s Hospital, reached out and we became fast friends. We could support each other through our similar experiences, and now Lily has a new best friend in Daisy.”
A Christmas Blessing
For Alice and Dan, Lily’s first steps were more than just a milestone—they were a reminder that miracles come in many forms. Every struggle they endured, every night spent awake with worry, was worth it to see their daughter walk. The timing of her steps, just before Christmas, made it all the more meaningful.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God” (CCC 2258). Lily’s life is a testament to that sacredness and the strength of the human spirit, even in the smallest among us.
Her story reminds us to trust in God’s plan, even when faced with uncertainty. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded that the greatest miracles often come in the most unexpected ways. Lily’s steps are not just a victory over medical challenges but a sign of hope—hope that, through perseverance and faith, the impossible becomes possible.
As Alice beautifully put it, “We can’t thank the teams across both hospitals enough. We haven’t had one negative experience. The care Lily received was so fast and efficient despite the immense pressure the staff were facing during COVID-19. We are so grateful to everyone.”
This Christmas, may Lily’s journey inspire us to recognize the blessings in our own lives, cherish every small victory, and never lose hope, for with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
