Megan walks tall after life-saving back operation

Operation Clothes Metal rods were put into her back to straighten the spine, and shehas worn a plastic cast for most of her life to protect her fragilebody. Last year, the Gazette revealed how parents Bob and Tina were toldtheir daughter had less than a 50-50 chance of survival after herlung collapsed, following an operation when she was only ten. But now, Megan is finally on the road to recovery after apotentially life-changing operation. Earlier this month, surgeons carried out bone grafts and pinned newtitanium rods in place, during a complex six-hour operation totwist the teenager's body back into shape. She spent four days in intensive care at the Royal NationalOrthopaedic Hospital, where Princess Eugenie once underwent backsurgery. Mum Tina said: "They rotated Megan's spine and rib cage because shewas twisted. "When she woke up she said her body felt all hard at the front. Isaid: It's supposed to - those are your ribs!'" Megan was gutted when surgeons said she needed another operation toremove a slight hump. "She just cried," said Tina, of Rowhedge Road, Colchester. "Shesaid: "I'll live with it - I don't care.' "She says there are otherpeople worse off than her." Now, the St Helena schoolgirl hopes to throw away her cast for everand start leading a normal life like her friends. The plucky youngster had already fulfilled one of her dreams beforethe operation, following in younger brother Zack's footsteps. Shewent to watch him karting on his birthday and had to have a goherself. Megan hopes to go back to school in September. She currently haslessons at home using a webcam, so she can still see herschoolchums. She is looking forward to playing with her pals and swimming onholiday. Megan's parents are planning a special shopping trip when sherecovers. The surgery was so effective she came out of theoperating theatre more than an inch taller than when she went in. "None of her clothes fit any more - and she deserves a treat," saidTina.