While parents across the country are facing the dilemma of whether or not to allow their children to have the controversial MMR vaccination, Sally Clifford meets one mum who is adamant she won’t take the risk.

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So far, the only visible scar is the colourful ‘Noddy’ glasses Heather has to wear as a result of the medication which weakened her eye muscles.

Her parents have also been told she could suffer from epilepsy in future, but, as they watch her put the finishing touches to her felt-tip masterpiece, they can’t believe how lucky they are.

And, that’s probably why Sheila is adamant, despite doctor’s assurances, that her little girl will not have the MMR injection, a three-part vaccine which protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

In the UK the injection is given to children at 12 and 15 months, with a reinforcing dose (booster) before school, usually at four.

It attracted controversy after it was linked to bowel problems and autism in children and many parents are now boycotting the injection while others are considering a single jab alternative.

Sheila realises it is a tough decision because their nine-year-old son Aidan, has already had the jab but, she says, she can’t risk Heather having a reaction to it.

“I spoke to my doctor about it and I was told there is no reason why she can’t have it,” says Sheila. “Everybody’s immune system is different and I believe Heather reacted to the whooping cough injection so my mind is made up about MMR.”

Sheila says she is so determined she is prepared to risk Heather contracting measles.

“It is a risk I will take but, at the end of the day, it is a bridge we will have to cross if we come to it,” says Sheila.

“I think measles can be treated and it isn’t as bad as it used to be.” Now the family are just thankful they are able to watch their little girl lead a normal life.

“Looking at her now, I just can’t believe it,” says Sheila.

Dr G M Wilson, consultant paediatrician at Dewsbury District Hospital said it was uncommon for children to make such a full recovery.

She believes innoculations have nothing to do with West Syndrome.

Dr Ruth Gelletlie, Bradford’s Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, said: “There have been no confirmed cases of measles in Bradford for several years because of the good uptake of MMR.  However, the outbreak of mumps in parts of Bradford last year has shown that current vaccination levels are not sufficient to prevent outbreaks if a virus is introduced.

“To protect children, 95 per cent of the population need to be vaccinated, but across the district as a whole, the uptake is currently 84 per cent.

“There is no evidence of any benefit from having single vaccinations instead of the MMR jab.  Splitting the combined MMR vaccine into separate component vaccines would lead to a decrease in coverage against these diseases, not an increase.”