The parents of a four-year-old boy who had a rare form of cancer immediately went into self-isolation even before any lockdown was put in place to protect their son who was immuno-compromised.
Sadly, little Archie Wilks still managed to contract the coronavirus but miraculously recovered after only six days.
In January 2019, Archie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and had been undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy since then.
When Archie’s parents learned about the coronavirus pandemic that was starting to sweep through the country, they already decided to quarantine themselves at home in Saffron-Walden, Essex, even before any lockdown order had been put in place.
While Archie stayed at home with twin brother Henry, his mother Harriet and dad Simon took turns going to hospital appointments. Harriet told Good Morning Britain “it was a shock” to find out Archie had COVID-19 even though they didn’t receive any visitors at home.
Dad Simon thought they were doing “everything they could” to keep Archie safe.
He added: “He was actually going through immunotherapy treatment at the time which gave him a slight cough but which was completely normal, so when he had a slight cough we didn’t expect it.
“When we took him to hospital and they checked his observations that’s when we found he had a temperature, we were in the hospital when he first had the temperature and then we were transferred to the coronavirus ward.”
Simon and Harriet were understandably scared because of the “so many unknowns” of the coronavirus coupled with the fact that Archie previously had problems with his lungs.
Simon said, “He was in the middle of treatment at the time. In the past and when he’s had viruses, more common viruses, which they know how to deal with, he has had problems in the past with his lungs so it was a worry knowing that the coronavirus does affect the lungs quite significantly.
“He did need oxygen on the first night which was a little bit worrying.
“He got a little bit worse on the second night as well and he started needed more oxygen so we had to keep on top of that. The nurses and doctors and everyone were just so transparent, really good and just kept on top of it and made sure they kept him as fit as possible before bringing him home.”
Harriet added that not being able to see Archie while he was in the hospital was particularly worrying.
But at the time they were interviewed, Archie was already bouncing around and talking, proof that he had overcome the disease.
Archie’s idol Harry Kane, England’s football captain, had a special pre-recorded message for his young fan.
He said: “Hi Archie, great to hear you are feeling better and you’re on the mend, you’re a strong boy and just keep listening to the Drs and nurses and your parents, I hear you and your twin brother Henry love to play football, so keep playing in the garden stay at home and I wish you all the best.”
It was a much-needed message to lift the family’s spirits considering what they have been through.
Harriet said, “The past year we had been doing a lot of days out as a family and making the most of the time and appreciating being together and him not being in the hospital.
“In this situation is hard to distract yourself from what’s going on. It’s hard not to think about it.”
Simon added that it’s very important to cherish every moment and appreciate what we have. He also acknowledged that there are those who are struggling because of the lockdown.
“You have your ups and downs but you learn to just power through really. And just put it to the back of your minds and just enjoy your kids.”
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