Epilepsy Society fundraiser

.About a week before Rio’s first birthday, Rio was found at 7:30am laying in his cot lifeless, blue and cold. His mother instantly called 999 and was screaming for help. Rio then shortly after entered a severe seizure before the paramedics managed to arrive. Luckily, a neighbor who had recently completed a first aid course in pediatrics was able to assist with CPR. Rio then endured a long-lasting seizure, a body convulsion which lasted for about 7 hours. it felt like an eternity. Rio was rushed to the hospital and admitted to the resuscitation ward. That’s when I walked into a site that no parent should experience. I ran in to find about 10-15 consultants and doctors that worked tirelessly for 6 hours to try and stabilize him. Despite receiving every possible treatment, including opium and benzodiazepines, nothing seemed to help. At that time that’s when they pulled me (dad) and his mum to one side to discuss a possibility of inducing a coma, and a possibility of him being transfer to a children specialist hospital. That’s when me and his mum thought the worse. All the thoughts went through is he going to make it to see his 1st birthday ?what’s the long term damage? Is he in pain? Has he got epilepsy? Is he suffering ? We then decided the a coma may be a best option for Rio. He was then induced and transferred to the intensive care ward, that’s when he finally hit me. How have we ended up like this I thought he’s normally the happiest little boy with so much character how is he now he is in a coma ? Whilst holding his hand and wiping my tears off of his arm. After 24hrs of him being in a coma He was then woken and we was transferred to the paediatrics ward. After 2 more days Rio made a superb recovery and was back home just in time for his first birthday.

In October 2023, another terrifying episode unfolded when Rio had seizures again. Rushed to the hospital once more, he underwent assessments and was prescribed an anti-epileptic medicine called Levetiracetam. Despite this intervention, more seizures followed, leading to further hospital stays and numerous tests.

Since the October seizure, Rio has had numerous absent seizures and convulsions. He has been prescribed an emergency stopper in case any seizures last for more than 5 minutes.

Despite these challenges, Rio remains a super happy and social little boy who is well-behaved and always cheerful. He is just the best behaved kid ever.

To support the Epilepsy Society's vital work in helping children like Rio manage their condition, I am participating in the 3 Peak Challenge on the beginning of July 2025. Alongside my brother-in-law and my mother's partner, we will be trekking Mount Snowden the highest peak in Wales, then Scafell Pike the highest peak in England and then Ben Nevis the highest peak in scotland, all in the space of 3 days. with the goal of raising £5,000.

Your generous support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children battling epilepsy.

For any donations please visit my fundraising page below.