A mother testified at an inquest that doctors exhausted every option to save her 14-year-old daughter, Maisie Almond from Stalybridge, Tameside, who died on October 2, 2024, following a diagnosis of acute liver failure. The inquest opened at Stockport Coroners’ Court on Tuesday, February 24.
Portrait of a Vibrant Teen
Coroner Adrian Farrow heard descriptions of Maisie as a smiley, confident girl and a joy to be around. She balanced full-time school with two part-time jobs and maintained excellent health, visiting the gym three times weekly. Friends and teachers regarded her as a model pupil. All Saints Catholic College in Dukinfield closed for her funeral, attended by over 1,000 students.
Onset of Symptoms
Maisie’s parents noticed issues on the evening of September 15, 2024, when she returned from work feeling nauseous. Her mother, Kathryn, initially thought it was a common bug. Overnight pain prompted her father, Stuart, to stay home the next day—an unusual absence from school for Maisie.
Soon, her face turned yellow, starting with her eyes. ‘It was her eyes we noticed first,’ Kathryn stated. ‘They were turning an indescribable shade of yellow.’ The family rushed her to Tameside Hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit, where medics found her stomach also yellowing, shocking the parents.
Investigations and Hospital Stays
Scans and tests followed. Kathryn described Maisie as tired yet brave, enduring blood tests without tears but lacking her usual energy. She shuttled in and out of Tameside Hospital as doctors probed causes, suspecting hepatitis and other viruses.
Stuart noted the uncertainty: ‘It felt like no one really knew what was going on.’ After brief home leave on September 24, Maisie returned much worse. Kathryn recalled her daughter’s pleading stare: ‘She had this stare, as if to say “can someone just please help me?”‘
Transfer to Leeds Specialists
Medics transferred Maisie by ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary for liver expertise. Kathryn felt optimistic there, noting her daughter seemed brighter. En route, Stuart learned of the acute liver failure diagnosis and urgent transplant need.
By donor match, Maisie had deteriorated severely. Doctors warned of less than 1% survival odds even with surgery. In theater, her body failed to respond, rendering the transplant unviable.
Final Moments and Medical Testimony
Maisie returned to family for final hours. Support ceased, and she passed in the early hours. Consultant Dr. David Levy, on duty at Tameside, addressed the parents via video link: ‘I remember Maisie and the family. I did go and speak to them, but it wasn’t enough… I apologise.’
Dr. Helen Purves, Tameside’s clinical director, treated Maisie for hepatitis and dehydration, approving short home leave. Upon return, she deemed Maisie very unwell and coordinated the Leeds transfer.
Leeds Paediatric ICU Consultant Dr. Ramesh Kumar stated: ‘We did everything we could. We are all devastated.’ Kathryn responded emotionally: ‘He did absolutely everything and more. Thank you so much.’
Post-diagnosis, Maisie required intubation due to breathing failure. Liver issues caused brain swelling, fixed and dilated pupils—signs of coning—eliminating transplant viability.
The inquest continues.
