THE MOTHER of a Yate teen suffering from a mystery illness has made a desperate plea for help.

Sixteen-year-old Vicky Archer fell seriously ill following a family holiday to Menorca in August 2016.

The teenager has been in and out of Bristol Children’s Hospital ever since, with a range of symptoms that have left medical experts baffled.

The youngster’s symptoms include a painful and itchy rash, and severe memory loss, which has meant that, at times, she has not been able to recognise her own mum.

Vicky, who has been attending Brimsham Green School on a part-time basis, was readmitted to hospital on January 9, as she was experiencing difficulty understanding and responding to questions.

There she has had various tests, including an MRI scan, a lumbar puncture, and blood tests, as well as being prescribed several different medicines.

Vicky’s mum, Alison Archer says that the majority of consultants believe the illness is a central nervous system inflammatory condition, but that a specific diagnosis remains out of reach.

Now Alison is appealing for any information that will help in furthering understanding of her daughter’s condition.

“We are still desperate for a diagnosis,” she told the Gazette.

“The consultants are still baffled by Vicky's symptoms and are not sure what to do. They're not sure what the illness is or how to treat it.

“We need to put an end to our living nightmare and will be grateful if anyone with similar symptoms, or any specialists with advice, can contact the neurology consultants here at the Bristol Children's Hospital.”

The family have asked for Vicky to be referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital, and their request is set to be discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting at the hospital today (Thursday).

Alison has also expressed several concerns about her daughter's treatment at BCH, including that Vicky is currently on a children's ward.

“I would like Vicky moved to the adolescent ward, while we wait for tests and treatment. She's currently on a ward with babies and young children at the moment, and there's nothing for teenagers here."

Bryony Strachan, clinical chair for women’s and children’s services at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are sorry that Alison has concerns about the care her daughter Vicky is receiving. We are discussing her concerns with her and responding to them.

“Our clinical teams are working closely with Vicky and her family to manage her condition. We know how frustrating it is to have a condition that is undiagnosed and we are doing all we can to treat Vicky and diagnose her illness.

“While our children’s wards are not as well equipped for teenagers as our adolescent ward, we are caring for Vicky on the specialist ward where she is because she has immediate access to the specialist staff she needs.”