The parents of a seven-month-old baby who required an emergency airlift to hospital after a dramatic medical incident at a Tesco supermarket have publicly discussed their son's exceptionally rare and life-threatening genetic disorder.
Sudden Deterioration at Supermarket
Rupert Smith, from Broughton in Flintshire, north-east Wales, experienced what his family described as a "sudden episode and deteriorated very quickly" while at the Tesco store located within Broughton shopping park on Monday. The alarming situation prompted an immediate emergency response.
Emergency Services Swiftly Mobilised
Emergency services, including paramedics, police officers, and the critical care team from the Wales Air Ambulance, were rapidly dispatched to the scene. Following urgent treatment, baby Rupert was airlifted to the specialist Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool for advanced medical care.
Diagnosis of Extremely Rare Condition
The infant was recently diagnosed with Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), an extraordinarily rare neurological disorder estimated to affect roughly one in a million children. This complex condition can trigger unpredictable episodes involving temporary paralysis, seizures, abnormal movements, breathing difficulties, and developmental delays.
Family's Emotional Account
Father Dave Smith, who serves as a police sergeant in Flintshire, expressed profound gratitude to all who assisted his son. He provided a harrowing account of the event, stating that Rupert's mother had to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene.
"His mummy had to start CPR, something no parent should ever have to do, and I am incredibly proud of her," Mr Smith said. "Paramedics, police and the air ambulance arrived quickly, and Rupert was taken to Alder Hey."
Ongoing Hospital Treatment and Family Campaign
Since his admission, Rupert has experienced several seizures but remains in a stable condition under close observation. He is undergoing a series of tests at Alder Hey, where the medical team is carefully managing his complex needs.
The family has launched a JustGiving campaign with an ambitious target of £1.5 million. These funds are intended to support the substantial costs associated with specialised treatment Rupert may require in the United States in the coming months, as well as to contribute to vital research into AHC.
Living with an Unpredictable Condition
Mr Smith emphasised the unpredictable nature of AHC, explaining that episodes can strike without warning and escalate with alarming speed. "This is the reality of life threatening AHC, episodes can come without warning and escalate very quickly," he stated.
The family extended their heartfelt thanks to the paramedics, police officers, air ambulance crew, staff at Alder Hey Hospital, and Tesco employees who provided assistance during the crisis.
In a further update provided this morning, Mr Smith confirmed that Rupert continues to experience seizures while undergoing various tests under close medical supervision at the hospital.
