Alex's Story

This is Alex's Story

I took Alex aged 2 to meet the Shrop Doc early hours in the morning past midnight, at Welshpool hospital. We had previously taken Alex the day and days before to the Doctors who examined Alex and said Alex probably had a virus, the Shrop Doc “Out of hours doctor on call” also said over the phone that Alex probably had a virus. Alex couldn’t sleep and had a faint cough every five minutes or so.. I knew something wasn’t right and I told the Shrop Doc I was bringing Alex to the Hospital. The Shrop Doc examined Alex, and said I had done the right thing and Alex was immediately taken in an Ambulance in emergency mode to Shrewsbury Hospital.

Alex6
Alex10

Alex's heart stopped for 12minutes

We went to Shrewsbury Hospital, While Alex was being attended to I was put in a room and then at about 11am Alex was being organised to be taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and it was at this point I was told Alex was seriously ill. We then drove to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and while Alex was being cared for we were put in a private rest room. We heard nothing for hours then at some point late in the evening a Doctor came in and explained that Alex’s condition had become critical and contracted Sepsis which had severely damaged tissues and that her body, and organs were shutting down.

Alex5

The doctor explained that, they would try to resuscitate Alex

I was taken into a ward where Alex was and it was explained to me that Alex’s heart had stopped and Alex had stopped breathing for 12 minutes and they where going to use a defibrillator to try to resuscitate Alex and they could only perform the procedure once and there was a high probability of death. I cannot explain the emotion and pain I felt and it has never left me and many years later it can catch me at any moment. I asked the Doctor if I could speak to Alex first, as Alex laid there helpless, I kissed Alex and said how much I loved her and how much she meant to me and not to give up and everything would be ok.
Alex7
DSC
Birmingham children's hospital

A miracle, my little princess came back to life

The doctor performed the procedure and used the defibrillator to try and resuscitate Alex and boom!, my little princess came back to life. There were Doctors and Nurses rushing around, working franticly. I remember crying my eyes out with relief and happiness. My angel Alex came back to me and never gave up. I had to sign many consent forms and they rushed Alex onto life support. Eventually Alex was transferred to intensive care and the long road of recovery for Alex had just began. Unfortunately, Sepsis had severely damaged the tissues and muscles of Alex’s left calf and Alex became blind in her right eye.

Ronald McDonald Trust

While Alex was being treated and cared for at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for many months we stayed at Ronald McDonald House Charity Birmingham, offering free accommodation for family’s with seriously sick children being treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The Charity was a short walk from the hospital. The accommodation was amazing, there were cooking facilities and seating areas. The staff and workers there at Ronald McDonald House Charity Birmingham where understanding and caring. Local businesses would often give free food and readymade meals.

Ronald Mcdonald Trust
Image1
CHARLIE2009 WIN 20140812

Sepsis is a Killer

We really would not of been able to cope without the Ronald McDonald House Charity, we met some amazing people and as well as some whose stories did not have a happy ending. I  truly believe that throughout  life you or someone you know will need the help of Ronald McDonald House Charity. Unfortunately at the age of four Alex had her lower leg amputated. Sepsis is a killer and a life changer. Alex is now a lot older and an inspiration to me. My book Escape to Mexico was inspired by Alex's bravery and my son Charlie's courage. 

Escape to Mexico