Duke of Sussex video calls 13-year-old from Lincolnshire self-isolating because of Cerebral palsy

During the Easter weekend, The Duke of Sussex, conducted a personal video call with families caring for seriously ill children at home.

The Duke of Sussex made the video call, supported by the charity WellChild, to understand their challenges during the COVID-19 crisis.

During the call, The Duke heard about the challenges of social isolation and the fears of families reliant on carers coming into their homes to help with the round-the-clock, complex medical care that their children need.

He also heard how many who have not been included on ‘vulnerable’ lists were struggling to access support and basic supplies.

Leanne Cooper from Lincoln, whose 13-year-old daughter Sophie has Cerebral palsy, Dystonia, Scoliosis and multiple complex medical needs said:

In particular, the Duke heard how some families were struggling to be recognised on ‘vulnerable’ lists, causing difficulties in accessing supplies, from food to PPE.

He also heard how families across the country were giving mutual emotional support to one another through the charity’s online community, the WellChild Family Tree.

The Duke, who has been Patron of WellChild for more than 10 years, asked about how the charity, which is totally reliant on voluntary funding, was coping following income lost through the cancellation, or postponement of key fundraising events and activities.

In a touching moment, The Duke asked to see the children and sent a message of encouragement to the families and their children, who had all joined the call.

The Duke said: