Amber Milnes, a vibrant five-year-old from St Just in Roseland, Cornwall, was a child full of life, laughter, and boundless imagination. Her parents, Sereta and Lewis Milnes, called her their “magical little princess,” a little girl whose energy and curiosity could brighten any room. She loved music, dancing, and playing with her dolls, and those who knew her often marveled at her caring and joyful nature.
But Amber’s life was complicated by serious medical challenges. She suffered from obstructive sleep apnea, which affected her breathing at night, and a rare condition called Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), which caused sudden, severe bouts of vomiting since she was two years old. Her parents became experts in managing these episodes, advocating tirelessly for their daughter’s care.
A Routine Surgery With High Hopes
Doctors at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust recommended an adenotonsillectomy—a surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids—to improve Amber’s sleep apnea. The procedure is typically routine and low-risk, and her parents hoped it would drastically improve her quality of life.
On 5 April 2023, Amber underwent the surgery. Given her medical history and risk of dehydration from CVS, Sereta and Lewis expected she would remain under hospital observation overnight. They made their concerns clear to the medical team.
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