A SEVEN-year-old child needed life-saving brain surgery just hours after bumping her head in the playground.
Darcey Perring, from Telford, was on the playground at school when a classmate fell and bumped heads with her.
Hours later she was rushed to the Princess Royal Hospital after vomiting blood and experiencing other worrying symptoms.
A CT scan revealed that a fracture above her ear had ruptured a major blood vessel to her brain, which was being compressed by the bleed.
Darcey had to have immediate surgery at Birmingham Children's Hospital, where the surgeon said he had an hour to save Darcey's life.
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Darcey's mum, Anna, said: "I'll never, ever forget that moment how much I try".
Darcey was in the intensive care unit on a ventilator, and spent her seventh birthday in hospital the next day.
Darcey's mum: "What was the worst time of our life turned out to be one of the most inspirational and positive too, seeing Darcey being so brave and making a speedy recovery.
"Darcey made some great friends on the ward. To watch her having fun and laughing with the bravest of children will be etched in my mind forever."
She continued: "As it was her seventh birthday the next day, the nurses decorated her room and got all doctors and nurses to sign a birthday card.
Darcey has used her experience to raise money, and has raised £3,717 for the Birmingham Children's Hospital through JustGiving.
Last year parents were warned to be cautious taking their children to the playground in summer.
One mum was left furious after her son was injured while playing at school.
