A young girl who survived a "mini-stroke" is now on the big screen as she features in a new Hollywood blockbuster in a role she landed just months after her major health scare.

Avy Berry, from Middleton, was aged just four when she suffered a medical episode, which led her to undergoing brain surgery.

However, now her face is in cinemas across the world as she features in A Quiet Place: Day One.

In early 2022, Avy, now six, suffered a transient ischaemic attack, or "mini-stroke", while she was sleeping one night, which left one side of her body limp and saw her slipping in and out of consciousness for a short period.

Avy's mum, Ferne Collins, decided to take her to A&E, where it was discovered she had suffered the mini-stroke, while scans revealed the blood vessels in her brain were not working properly.

Avy in hospital after undergoing brain surgeryAvy in hospital after undergoing brain surgery (Image: Ferne Collins)

Ferne said that mini-strokes are seen as "a warning sign" of major strokes, and weeks later, Avy did in fact suffer a major stroke, which saw her rushed to hospital.

Ferne, 31, said: "She had the typical signs of a stroke - her face was asymmetrical, she was paralysed on one side.

"In that time, our world fell down."

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After a period in hospital, Avy underwent brain surgery to correct the blood flow in her brain in October 2022, and just weeks after that, she was landing acting roles in TV and film.

In November of that year, Avy landed roles in Hollyoaks and A Quiet Place: Day One, in which she features alongside Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o.

Avy alongside Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'oAvy alongside Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o (Image: Paramount Pictures via YouTube)

For Avy's mum, the whirlwind few years has taught her to remain present.

She said: "We just try and stay in the moment.

"We've been through a lot, I don't think many people that age have been through what Avy has.

"She's quite happy just doing her own thing, playing with Barbie and going on holidays."

Avy on the set of A Quiet Place: Day OneAvy on the set of A Quiet Place: Day One (Image: Ferne Collins)

Ferne co-founded Elm Arts Company with her mum, which is based in Failsworth, and trains young performers in and around the area.

The company is enjoying success, with five of the children who attend Elm Arts set to appear in cinemas this year.

Avy filmed in Hollyoaks between February 2023 and April this yearAvy filmed in Hollyoaks between February 2023 and April this year (Image: Ferne Collins)

Ferne said: "They're all working class children in Oldham and Manchester, it's just really good that they're getting those opportunities."

After everything her family has been through, Ferne said she feels obligated to try and raise awareness about stories like Avy's.

Avy is happy doing her own thing and playing with Barbie according to her mumAvy is happy doing her own thing and playing with Barbie according to her mum (Image: Ferne Collins)

She said: "I feel like I've got a duty now having a child who is a stroke survivor.

"I would never want it to happen to another child, I don't even want to think about what would have happened if we didn't go to A&E."

Ferne is encouraging any parents who have any slight concerns to get their child checked and says chicken pox can be a leading cause of the strokes.