Mum's warning after 10-year-old daughter falls seriously ill in hospital with coronavirus
The mother of a 10-year-old girl who was hospitalised with COVID-19 has warned families to not take risks, describing the ordeal as the "scariest time of her life".
Calli Bridges spent five days in hospital at the University Hospital of Wales on April 18 with a high temperature, severe stomach pains and nausea.
Her mum Rachel Bridges, from Cardiff, said she had no idea how Calli had picked up the virus and she did not display the usual symptoms. She wanted to spread the message that it is not only vulnerable groups or elderly that are at risk.
Rachel continued, "She was so poorly, I've never seen her so ill.
"There was no cough and no sore throat. Three weeks ago she had had astomach bug with a high temperature and severe vomiting.
"It took about five to six days for her to get better and we all selfisolated for two weeks as a precaution."
Calli had two swab tests at the hospital, the first came back negative and the second returned a positive result.
Rachel went on to thank the fantastic NHS who helped to save her daughter's life during her five day stay.
"Massive thanks and respect to our amazing NHS and it’s staff who areworking so hard in incredibly difficult times," she continued.
"Our NHS is amazing, whatever test Calli needed they just did it, noquestion, no discussion of cost, they just did it."