Mum releases harrowing pictures of her daughter, 7, battling meningitis as doctors prepare to amputate her foot to save her life
Brogan-Lei was on her mum and dad's honeymoon in Cornwall when the disease took hold
A BRAVE girl battling meningitis is fighting for her life just two weeks after she was a bridesmaid at her parents' wedding.
Doctors are planning to amputate seven-year-old Brogan-Lei's foot in order to save her from the rapid-acting and deadly infection.
Tiny Brogan-Lei will now have her left foot removed as she is treated for the life-threatening infection at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
The youngster, from Bartley Green in Birmingham, has also had to have numerous skin grafts as her anxious family try to stay strong.
Brogan-Lei's brave mum Aimee, 25, wrote on her Facebook page: "This week has totally changed my outlook on life.
"It's shown what's important and what isn't, who's there and who isn't and people who just want a bit of gossip in comparison to those who really care."
She added: "All the things that were important to us suddenly aren't anymore.
"Me and Craig just want to remind everyone how overwhelmed and grateful we are for all the help and offers we've received from people near and far."
She said: "She is well in herself. The actual infection has gone now so she is over the worst of it, it is just the damage it has left behind.
"We found out we are going to have to have her left foot amputated this week. We haven't been told what day yet, it is up to the doctors and consultants to decide.
"Her dad told her and she was actually relieved. She had got it into her head that she was going to die but she hadn't told us that.
"We were both at the hospital all day every day but now we are taking in turns so one of us can be with our other children too.
"She had all the immunisations she was supposed to have but there wasn't any NHS immunisation for meningitis B."
Signs of Brogan-Lei's crippling condition first emerged when she suffered a suspected eye infection while on her parents' honeymoon on June 18.
The youngster was given antibiotics, but twelve days later a rash showed up on her skin and after seeing a GP she was rushed to hospital.
Brogan-Lei was diagnosed with meningitis and her family were warned she may lose her entire left foot.
Family and friends have launched a fundraising campaign for Brogan-Lei and Birmingham Children's Hospital where she is being treated.
The purpose of the GoFundMe page is to organise a special day out for her once she has recovered, and 10 per cent will go to the hospital.
The family had managed to raise £2,100 by Tuesday evening - exceeding their target of £2,000.
Despite her ordeal, brave Brogan-Lei has recorded a tear-jerking video message from her hospital bed thanking well-wishers.
With her arm bandaged and rashes caused by the meningitis still visible, the youngster says: "Thank you everybody for being so kind.
"I know you all want me to get better soon. I'm going to do it."
Meningitis: What you need to know
Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord's protective membranes.
Though it can affect anybody, the infection is most common in babies, children, teenagers, and young adults.
It can be extremely serious if it is not treated quickly - leading to life-threatening blood poisoning that can permanently damage the brain and nerves.
Typical symptoms of meningitis are a high temperature, sickness, headaches, a blotchy rash, a stiff neck, and seizures.
Meningitis is spread by sneezing, coughing, kissing, and sharing items such as cutlery or toothbrushes
Aimee's devastated cousin Lisa Reece, 28, from Castle Bromwich, West Midlands, said she had to fight back the tears when she visited Brogan-Lei in hospital.
She said: "Nothing can prepare you for what meningitis does to a body, let alone a little seven-year-old girl.
"You see in the pictures but in reality, it's much, much more than just a 'rash'.
"Dark and deep tissue damage is visible and lot of surgery will be required to help the healing process."