In a heart-stopping incident at a Tesco supermarket in Broughton, Flintshire, a mother’s quick action and CPR skills proved crucial in saving her baby boy’s life. Seven-month-old Rupert Smith, who suffers from a rare neurological disorder called Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), stopped breathing and collapsed while his family was shopping.
Rupert’s mother, Siobhan Smith, 35, immediately called for help and began administering CPR before emergency services, including paramedics, police, and an air ambulance, arrived on the scene. The child was then airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool for further treatment.
Rupert’s father, Dave Smith, 39, a Flintshire police sergeant, praised his wife’s bravery, saying, “I am very proud of my wife for what she did – ringing for an ambulance and she had to administer CPR while waiting for paramedics.”
The family has faced numerous challenges with Rupert’s condition, which can cause episodes of paralysis, seizures, abnormal movements, breathing difficulties, and developmental delays. Rupert had previously been admitted to the hospital six weeks ago after another AHC-related episode.
“He is not completely stable and out of the woods yet,” Dave Smith said, explaining that Rupert had “continued to have quite significant seizures” in the hospital, and the medical team had been administering medication and conducting various tests.
The Smiths are now hoping to raise funds to take Rupert to the United States for potential treatment or participation in clinical trials, as they believe the “only potential for a cure lies in ongoing research and clinical developments” in the US, which requires significant private funding.
The family has launched a charity called Rupert’s Rainbow to raise money for Rupert’s care and to support research into the rare condition. So far, they have raised around £65,000.
“We just need to save his life… please, please help save our baby boy,” Siobhan Smith pleaded, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
Despite the challenges, the Smiths describe their baby as “so good-natured” and someone who “just smiles all the time.” They remain hopeful and determined to do whatever it takes to provide Rupert with the best possible care and chance at a better future.
