Crucial Batten trial cancelled amid haemorrhage fear

Parents of a girl battling a terminal neurological illness are devastated after a potentially lifesaving medical trial was cancelled at the last minute.

Amelia Ryczan, 4, from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, and her mother, Tamara, had travelled to the United States last week for the pioneering surgery.

Amelia suffers from late infantile Batten disease, a rare neuro-degenerative condition, and the radical medical treatment could lengthen her life. She may not have another chance to take part in the trial.