Archie in Egg Hunt After Chickenpox Operations

Two-year-old Archie Evans and his parents Rupert and Emma will be making hay while the sun shines for University Hospital. The brave little boy from Denstone contracted a potentially fatal strain of chickenpox last July. Archie underwent three operations in three days after a consultant in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit recognised the symptoms. Now the family are raising funds for the unit through their annual Easter Fair, which has become a much anticipated village event.

Rupert Evans, 38, said: "Archie was very, very poorly and without the help he received he might not be alive today. The care they gave him was amazing, put simply the staff were absolutely out of this world. The thing with paediatric care that is different from adult care is that it is very emotional as you are dealing with small children and it is difficult for staff to stay unattached and be strong for parents. The consultant had worked all over the world treating this condition so he was able to identify it straight away."

Rupert can't believe how well his son is coping, but added that it was still very scary. He said: "We took Archie back about three-and-a-half-months after and the staff could not believe how well he had become. You could see how much of an achievement it was for staff to see what they had done. You just have to rely on the people around you, family and friends, and medical excellence to try and put your mind at rest. There's still a long way to go, but he seems to be getting back to his normal self. Only time will tell what the future holds."

Archie was later transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where he spent an additional six weeks. His mum Emma said she was still coming to terms with the shock of seeing her toddler rushed to hospital. She said: "For any mum it's destroying to be in that situation and feel what you've worked so hard for could be taken away. The hospital staff saved his life, there's no doubt about it."

The Easter Fair takes place at Denstone Hall on Saturday, April 3 between 10am and 3pm and includes the Easter egg hunt which proved extremely popular last year, as well as donkey rides, stalls, games and an all-day barbecue. For more information visit www.denstonehall.co.uk or contact 01889 590050.