'Thank you for staying home' says inspirational Evie

Inspirational Evie, aged 18, was born with a form of Spina Bifida which affects the nerves to her legs, bladder and bowel and says that over the years she has had to learn how to cope with her socially isolating symptoms.

Back home over the weekend after a serious health issue meant she had to be admitted to Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, which she had 'desperately been trying to avoid', she says it's too dangerous to stay a patient full-time.

"I was in Boston hospital, however Skegness Hospital are doing home visits for us to manage critical blood tests, said Evie, whose courage in overcoming exceptional health needs. resulted in her becoming a winner of the prestigious national 2018 WellChild Awards. "The team of bloods nurses there are always fantastic and a real asset to the community."

While in hospital she thanked the public for staying at home so as not to spread coronvirus. "It’s the first time I’ve felt really vulnerable since being discharged from Nottingham last week," said Evie of Skegness. "My potassium infusion was due and with it being classed an emergency due to low levels it wasn’t as option to skip or postpone.

"Going without my infusion and staying at home on lockdown, given how dangerous low potassium levels are, would actually be a greater risk than coming into a confined space with potential exposure in hospital.

"Critically low potassium risks are fatal and even though I’ve struggled with it for over three years, the side effects such as abnormal heart arrhythmia still remain just as prominent.

"I’ve spent the past few days worrying and struggling to accept that this actually is the safest option, but life still goes on whilst the virus is here.

"I’m still chronically ill and need regular treatment interventions to keep me alive. This doesn’t change just because of the pandemic.

"Thank you to everyone who is staying at home, practicing social distancing and limiting their time in public places.

"It’s not only NHS workers and covid-19 patients you’re helping, but people like me who were already struggling to survive and thrive before this, and still continue to need urgent care in hospitals.

"You’re making it safer for me to access care, safer for the NHS to stay active and reducing the spread too. There are so many people you are helping by playing your part, listening to the governments advice and changing your everyday life for a period of time. Thank you!"