A seriously ill toddler has undergone two surgeries after a bleed on her brain and is currently in an induced coma.

Phoebe Preston, who is two next week, has a rare blood vessel abnormality called vein of galen malformation.

This slows blood flow to the brain and causes a rush of high-pressure blood into the veins, which can damage vital organs.

The condition is usually diagnosed shortly after birth, however this was not the case for Phoebe.

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The one-year-old, from Littlehampton, began urgent treatment after being sent to Southampton Hospital last Friday.

She had a decompressive craniotomy, which is when part of the skull is removed to relieve the pressure on the brain.

The Argus: She is currently at Great Ormand Street Hospital

She was then transferred to the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London in "intensive care conditions" over the weekend for further surgery on Monday to relieve the pressure on her brain.

Mark Preston, Phoebe's dad, said: "The condition is very severe in her case.

"They have described her prognosis as 'difficult and problematic' but have said they will do all they can.

"Phoebe has come through the second operation successfully.

"The consultant that did the surgery was very happy and Phoebe tolerated things really well.

"We are obviously not out of the woods yet by any stretch of the imagination, but a really, really positive step.

"She is very lucky to still be alive. It's been horrific but we are so happy that she is still with us.

"We are not sure how long recovery will take and what function she will have going forward."

The Argus: The family are from Littlehampton

Although the surgery went well, surgeons have said they will have to operate again once she has recovered.

While Phoebe is in hospital, Mark, a healthcare worker, is unable to work and will not have an income.

He and his wife Juliet are also caring for their four-year-old son Rufus and have had to put their life "on hold".

Mark, 50, said: "I have currently had to cancel my work, leading to a loss of my income until further notice due to this devastating family emergency.

"The costs of parking, fuel and other hospital expenses such as food will soon mount up, which is an added worry on top of everything else."

The family have set up a GoFund me page to help cover expenses while Phoebe is in hospital.

The GoFund me can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-with-parking-fuel-and-other-hospital-costs.

So far, over £7,000 has been raised.

Juliet, 40, said: "Some of you may know me, little Phoebe and her older brother Rufus from seeing us around Littlehampton, but some of you may not have met us at all.

"But if you could spare even the smallest amount at this devastating time we would be so, so grateful from the bottom of our hearts."