Tom O’Kane from Coventry hopes to fund artificial limbs and rehabilitation for his son Kaylan, who spent more than 80 days in hospital after developing sepsis and having his legs amputated.
Tom will be taking on the Three Peaks challenge in August this year to raise money, climbing the highest mountains in Wales, England and Scotland over three days. He said: “I’d walk to the end of the earth for my son. Climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis will be tough but nothing compared to what Kaylan has been through. He’s been so brave throughout this whole ordeal – now it’s my turn to push myself for him.”
You can support Kaylan’s journey here.
Kaylan’s sepsis diagnosis
Kaylan was initially told he had a stomach bug, but when he became severely ill on 14 December 2024, his parents rushed him to Nuneaton’s George Eliot Hospital. He was quickly transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where his condition deteriorated. Doctors told the family his chances of survival were slim and, within days, his legs had turned black, leaving medics with no choice but to amputate them.
Kaylan’s mother Tora wants to raise awareness of the symptoms of Strep A so other parents don’t have to go through the same devastating process.
In addition to fundraising, Kaylan’s family have instructed us to investigate the possible medical negligence that led to Kaylan’s amputations. Harman Sahota, who is representing the family, said: “This is a heartbreaking case. No family should have to endure what Tom, Tora and Kaylan have been through, and we believe it is crucial to investigate whether more could have been done to prevent this devastating outcome.
“Our team is currently in the early stages of gathering evidence and reviewing the medical care Kaylan received. We will work tirelessly to ensure the family get the answers they deserve and that any failings are properly addressed.”
