The family of a seven-month-old baby who was airlifted to hospital after a medical emergency at a Tesco store in Flintshire have released a statement on his condition. Rupert Smith, who has an extremely rare genetic disorder, suffered a 'sudden episode and deteriorated very quickly' while at the supermarket at Broughton Shopping Park on Monday.
Emergency services, including the Wales Air Ambulance, were called and Rupert was airlifted to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. The baby was recently diagnosed with Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately one in a million children, which can cause episodes of paralysis, seizures, and breathing difficulties.
Dad Dave Smith, a Flintshire police sergeant, thanked those who helped, saying: 'His mummy had to start CPR, something no parent should ever have to do, and I am incredibly proud of her.' He added that Rupert has had several seizures but is stable and undergoing tests.
The family have set up a JustGiving page aiming to raise £1.5 million for treatment in the US and research. Mr Smith said: 'We hold on to hope and will continue to raise awareness and do everything we can to give our son a future.'
