News

A five-year-old KGH patient who has been shielding during Covid-19 has secured Paw Patrol toys for our children’s ward – with a little help from Boris Johnson and Prince William.

Kaydyn Mcveigh, from Corby, was born with cystic fibrosis (CF) –which means he is vulnerable to infections of his lungs, hence the need to shield during the pandemic.

As part of the shielding process mum Leanne and grandmother Jackie received food parcels through the post.

Kaydyn naturally asked who they were from and Leanne told him ‘Boris Johnson’.

She said: “Kaydyn wanted to say thank you to Boris so he sent him a thank you video from himself.

“Boris Johnson was delighted and he, Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, tweeted the video.

“The next thing we knew we had a call from the Palace to say Prince William wanted to speak to Kaydyn to give him a boost – as we had been shielding from a week before lockdown began on March 16.”

This resulted in a one-to-one video call with the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, on May 22, for half-an-hour from the Sandringham estate to the Mcveigh’s Corby home.

Prince William spoke to Leanne and Kaydyn about the difficulties the family was facing and to raise awareness of those who needed to carry on their isolation.

Leanne said: "He knew how many people were shielding. He was very aware of everything going on in the community.

"Kaydyn asked him if he was a real prince and he said 'I am Kaydyn'. He made me feel relaxed."

During the chat Kaydyn brought his favourite Paw Patrol toys to show Prince William.

Leanne said: “After the broadcast the Paw Patrol company contacted us and sent Kaydyn some toys.

“They also asked us if we had a charity we would like to support – and so we named KGH as the place to send to because of all the amazing work they have done to look after Kaydyn.”

Thanks to Kaydyn Paw Patrol toys head to Skylark Ward

As a result the company sent Skylark Ward at KGH a large number of Paw Patrol toys – many of which are already in use on the ward.

KGH Matron for Paediatrics, Donna Mason, said: “Kaydyn is just amazing. We are very grateful for the Paw Patrol toys which came to us by such a remarkable route with input from the Prime Minister, Prince William, and Paw Patrol toys.

“The toys are incredibly popular for our younger patients and really help brighten up their day. Kaydyn’s enthusiasm for them has certainly led to a lot of joy for our patients.”

Mum Leanne also praised KGH and other health agencies for the care they have continued to provide for Kaydyn via video link and visits during shielding.

She said: “Kaydyn has had a team of people supporting him including his KGH consultant, and his dietician, physiotherapist and community nurse.

“It is the same team that has supported him since he was diagnosed at three-weeks old and they have developed an amazing bond with him.”

Kaydyn came out of lockdown on August 1 and started school at Exeter School in Corby on September 3.

KGH Consultant Paediatrician Patti Rao, who is part of the multi-disciplinary team that looks after Kaydyn, said: “Kaydyn is a very special little boy. He is very chatty and friendly and very fond of us, as we are of him.

“We have continued to look after him as a multi-disciplinary team during lockdown through video consultations and he has kept well and kept up his regular treatments.

“He is a lovely child and we are so grateful to him and his mum, Leanne for the very generous gesture’ “