Bundaberg toddler Millie fights for life after swallowing magnets

A little girl’s mysterious illness became a fight for life and against the clock when the very natural behaviour of two tiny magnets wrought catastrophic destruction on her body.

Lexa Smith

2 min read

July 21, 2025 - 4:45PM

Little Millie’s symptoms first presented as a mystery illness in early July, with stomach pains, pale skin, green vomit and high fevers.

QLD News

Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.

A Bundaberg family is living its worst nightmare after their three-year-old daughter swallowed two small magnets that almost took her life.

Little Millie’s symptoms first presented as a mystery illness in early July, with stomach pains, pale skin, green vomit and high fevers.

Her symptoms progressively got worse, and she was admitted to Bundaberg Hospital, according to the information on a gofundme campaign launched to help her family.

Her condition apparently continued to deteriorate and, despite the efforts of Bundaberg Hospital staff, her stomach expanded, her bowels stopped working and she stopped passing urine.

Bundaberg toddler Millie fights for life after swallowing the magnets.

On July 7, she was airlifted to Brisbane Children’s Hospital, and by 9pm that night, her parents Luke and Emily were being told their daughter needed emergency, lifesaving surgery.
She was placed in an induced coma and put on life support.

Surgeons later delivered the news no parent ever wants to hear:

“The next few hours and days would be critical, and there was no certainty Millie would survive” they were told.

The cause?

Two “tiny high-powered magnets” Millie is believed now to have swallowed at separate times, and which locked together inside her gut, slicing through three layers of her bowel.

Little Millie’s symptoms first presented as a mystery illness in early July, with stomach pains, pale skin, green vomit and high fevers.

“Her bowel had been leaking into her stomach, leading to a severe infection and sepsis,” a family friend wrote.

In an operation, doctors removed more than a litre of pus from her tiny body and were forced to take out most of her bowel.
Millie now has a stoma, and faces multiple major surgeries ahead to try to save what remains of her digestive system.

Jesika, a family friend who has launched a fundraiser, is speaking out to warn other parents.

“Doctors say they see this often — and that it’s not well-known how dangerous magnets can be when swallowed by children,” she said.
“These tiny but powerful magnets can be found in toys, fridges, electronics, even jewellery.
“There is simply not enough awareness, and it almost cost Millie her life.”

Weeks later and Millie is still in Brisbane Children’s Hospital, where she is expected to remain for months.
Her parents are unable to work, torn between caring for their gravely ill daughter and worrying about how to cover rent, bills and living expenses.

“They are far from home, away from their other children, family, and support systems,” Jesika said.

Bundaberg toddler Millie is facing months in hospital after swallowing two tiny magnets that almost destroyed her digestive system and her life.

“They are facing mounting bills, rent, travel, and living expenses while trying to stay by their little girl’s side.”

Jesika’s plea is simple: help if you can.

“If you are able to donate even a small amount, it would go a long way toward easing the financial burden and helping Luke and Emily focus on what matters most: Millie’s recovery.”

“If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this story to raise awareness.”
So far, more than 50 people have donated to help Millie’s family, raising more than $3000 of a $5000 target.
“Magnets are not toys, and parents everywhere deserve to know how dangerous they can be.

“If this message reaches just one other family and prevents another child from going through what Millie has, then something good can come from this heartbreaking ordeal.”