Get ready to know about Maisey who raised £10,000 for Alder Hey
It has been months that Maisy Spencer has spent herself in the wards of Alder Hey Children's Hospital battling a rare eye condition and bravely facing numerous surgeries. However, that has not stopped this brave nine-year-old young girl from making a name for herself in the world of modeling or raising a staggering £10,000 for the hospital, which in turn has helped her.
According to her mother, Leanne 32, "Maisy doesn't have the sight we prayed for as a baby." She further adds, "But that hasn't stopped her from becoming the confident and happy child she is." According to her, Maisy is a true fighter since "She never gives up, ever, and she is an inspiration to us and everyone around her." This child with a refreshing never says die attitude is from Ellesmere Port, a town in England, and has traveled worldwide, modeling for top high street names like River Island and Next and luxury Italian fashion brand Brunello Cucinelli.
More importantly, even when she is not participating in major fashion campaigns, she still doesn't stand still, getting in step with ballet, tap, and modern classes at her local dance school or jumping into the saddle for the horse-riding lessons she loves. Now, having to face difficulties daily may cause Maisy to look at the world in a rather cynical way. However, in reality, she is, in fact, a positive person who, no matter what, does not stop her from following her dreams or packing as much, if not more, into her life as other children her age.
Maisy's condition was first detected right at birth even though her mother, Leanne's pregnancy, was straightforward with no complications. Apart from her eyes' problem, she was also diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, which affected her right arm. Her mom, who works in a pupil referral unit, explains, "It leaves it numb, like when you fall asleep on it, and she had to have physio for the first 12-18 months,"
She further states that "We knew from day one that there was also something wrong with her eyes, but then that wasn't our main focus. But when we were referred to the eye clinic at Arrowe Park where she was born, and then Alder Hey, we realized it was more serious than we'd first thought."
Maisy was diagnosed to be born with a rare condition called PHPV (persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous), where primary vitreous – gel – used in the formation of the eye during fetal development remains in the eye at birth and is hazy and scarred, causing vision disturbance, and she also has congenital cataracts. She has had around 11 surgeries so far and is on medication for secondary glaucoma, which causes increased pressure within the eyeball and gradual loss of sight.
Regarding modeling, when she began to dance, she found something she loved, along with a teacher who saw something more than just grace and natural rhythm. As per Leanne, "Maisy's dance teacher said she had a cheeky personality and was confident, and suggested we enroll her with a model agency." Maisy's parents immediately acted upon this advice only to see her being accepted right away.
Thus far, she has modeled for Aldi and Character Toys like Peppa Pig. One of the best campaigns she was involved in was River Island's 'Labels Are For Clothes' project about not judging people and used models of varying races, body shapes, and abilities, which proved to be perfect given Maisy's condition.
As for the future of her charming daughter in modeling, Leanne says, "I'll be proud of her whatever she does. But, at the moment, I'm proud of the fact that she's getting on with her life and not letting anything stop her and that she is giving hope to others like her. To me, she's beautiful on the outside and the inside, and that's what matters."