A three-year-old boy had to be rushed to hospital to save his life after symptoms thought to be Covid actually turned out to be type one diabetes.
Kailen Williams was suffering from excessive thirst, hunger and weight loss in late 2020, when his parents began to get concerned about him.
Mum Alison, 40, from Tipton, initially only thought the youngster had Covid, but when the test came back negative, she rang the GP for help, Birmingham Live reports .
She was told to take him to Sandwell Hospital, Birmingham, and did so just in time.
Had they been any later, Kailen’s undiagnosed diabetes could have caused him to slip into a diabetic coma and even taken his life.
Mum Alison said: “We got him to the hospital just in time – had it been any later he may not have been here today.
“The care he received from the staff was fantastic and they were so quick to act and diagnose him. He was close to slipping into a diabetic coma.
“It was towards the end of 2020 in the middle of the pandemic and I was convinced it was Covid.
“But I was so shocked to find out that he had diabetes. I think it’s important for people to know the symptoms so that they can act fast.”
If it wasn’t for the GP and the parents’ actions, the three-year-old tot could have lost his life.
The youngster’s diabetes is now under control with Alison, a senior care assistant, monitoring him daily with the help of her daughter Shianne.
Now, as a thank you to the NHS staff at Sandwell Hospital for their life-saving actions, Kailen’s grandad is fundraising for the NHS Trust’s registered charity.
Bernard Yale is hoping to raise thousands for the charity.
The 69-year-old said: “I really wanted to do something to say thank you to the hospital for saving Kailen – what they did will forever be in my heart.
“So I decided to organise a charity show which will feature a performance from the top UK ABBA tribute act Angel Eyes, music from Night Vision Roadshow, as well as an auction and there will be raffle prizes up for grabs.”
Bernard has managed to secure some top auction items at the event on Saturday, March 19, including a three night stay in a top caravan in the Isle of Wight, signed Wolverhampton Wanderers football shirts, premium tickets for Uttoxeter Races, golf equipment and a signed heavy weight pro boxing glove from Shane Gill.
Earlier in the month he organised a darts knockout tournament which raised £350.
Amanda Winwood, fundraising manager for Your Trust Charity, said: “This is a wonderful gesture by Bernard in recognising the care staff from the hospital gave his grandson and we’re glad to hear he is doing well.
"Raising money for the charity means that we can enhance the experience of our patients, their families and our staff. We appreciate all that Kailen’s family are doing.”
The event will take place at Allen's sports bar, Newhall Street, Tipton. Entry is free and booking in advance is not required.
