Chesterfield family fears for son with serious condition amid virus outbreak

Chester Mcintosh, who has been supported by Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice since 2017, spent the first year of his life in hospital.

During the traumatic year, the family lived with the constant fear of losing their beloved son, a fear that was almost realised on more than one heart-breaking occasion.

Brave Chester battled on, defying doctors’ expectations every step of the way, and is now in his tenth year alongside his twin sister Rhianna.

He was eventually diagnosed with a Chromosome Deletion Disorder, which means his immune system only works to around 40 per cent of what would be expected. He also has chronic lung disease, suffers regular chest infections and has other serious health issues.

Chester, Rhianna, mum Lisa and dad Ian have been visiting their “Bluebell Wood family” since 2017 for a much-needed helping hand.

Ian, a former carer from Chesterfield who left his job to take care of Chester full-time, understands what the families of the 1.5 million most vulnerable people in society are going through.

He said: “A lot of families are really terrified, which is completely understandable.

“As someone with a vulnerable child you are always very cautious – but this is a different ball game entirely.”

The family first became aware of the covid-19 pandemic when the outbreak in China hit the news.

He added: “I remember saying to my wife Lisa that we need to be prepared for this.

“When you’re in a position like ours with a vulnerable child you’re acutely aware of just how quickly these infections can spread.

“Even in normal times we wouldn’t go to a busy supermarket in winter together or go out for a pub meal in flu season because the risk of infection to Chester is just too great.”

Chester’s family are making sure they have enough of the basics to see them through, as well as vital medical supplies, but warn against stockpiling.

Ian said: “Stockpiling is something that you really shouldn’t do, regardless of your circumstances.

“It’s just not fair on everyone else.

“And it’s unfortunate that people have been flouting the social distancing and isolation measures imposed so far – it’s a sorry state of affairs.

“That’s why we welcome the latest measures taken – it’s something that has to be done to protect one another.”

The family, who have always been very hygiene conscious, are now taking extra steps to keep Chester safe.

As well as smaller things such as using bacterial wipes to take the bins out, they have set-up a temporary letter box on their front wall so packages don’t come into the house unchecked.

Ian said: “We’ve also put up a huge poster in our window informing people we have a child who is extremely vulnerable.

“You can find plenty of these online and it could make all the difference.

“ A simple act of kindness, such as a well-meaning neighbour turning up on our doorstep, could very well lead to one of us catching covid-19.”

The family are now doing all they can to stay active and healthy while they’re confined to their home.

Ian added: “We’re very conscious of the health implications for all of us, not just Chester, because if Lisa and I were to fall ill it would make things incredibly difficult.

“I’d urge everyone not to be scared to share information with each other that might be helpful– it really could save someone’s life.”