On 15th April 2026, our youngest family member, Albert, just three months old, developed a high temperature. We called 111 and were advised to give him Calpol, which helped reduce his fever. A doctor was scheduled to call back at 1am, and when they did, there was little change in his condition. We were told to continue monitoring him closely. However, at 1:30am, he suffered a seizure. We immediately dialed 999, and within ten minutes, two paramedics arrived. Their calmness, professionalism, and compassion during such a terrifying moment were truly remarkable.

He was rushed with blue lights to Medway Hospital where he was diagnosed with sepsis caused by an infection. After three challenging days filled with numerous tests and treatments in hospital, he was discharged and gradually improved. Unfortunately, on 24th May 2026, he showed similar symptoms again. We called 999 once more; the ambulance arrived swiftly within ten minutes. Although his vitals were not as severe this time initially, he quickly became very unwell and was taken into the emergency room where four doctors and two nurses worked tirelessly to insert a cannula despite collapsing veins—a frightening experience for us all.

Thanks to their calm professionalism and compassion once again, they managed to stabilize him. After five more days in hospital it was determined that urinary tract infections were the cause; he is now on prophylactic antibiotics and will require regular scans due to a cyst found on one kidney.

Witnessing our baby boy suffer so much trauma has deeply affected us as a family; regaining our confidence will take time. Yet we feel compelled to give back in some way to those who saved his life—our doctors and nurses of the NHS who have always had our respect but now hold an even greater place in our hearts after seeing their dedication firsthand.

To express our gratitude collectively we are participating in "Outrun an Ambulance (Kent)" — as a family we will aim to walk/run a minimum of 79 miles over the course of a few months which is what an ambulance of Medway usually travels in a day — supporting NHS South East Coast Ambulance Charity. Every minute of every day these incredible people answer emergency calls like ours with care and urgency.

By joining this challenge we hope to raise vital funds so patients like our son—and their families—receive extra support when it matters most. Your donation will help provide comfort for patients and essential resources for the paramedics, doctors & nurses who go above and beyond for communities across the South East.

Please support us by donating generously and help us go the distance for those who go the distance for all of us.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story & supporting our incredible NHS ambulance service.

Amy, Carl, Lily-Rose & Albert xxx