30 July 2023 , 16:56
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A 'beautiful' little boy died from an unknown condition which baffled doctors and required 24/7 care, after a horrific seizure caused him to 'lose his brain matter'.
Kalel Woodward was just 11 years old when he tragically died from a 'mystery illness'. Heartbroken dad Paul Woodward said 'everything was fine' when the youngster was born - but years later he went to sleep one day and never woke up.
Doctors first raised the alarm when the little boy was just three months old, when he struggled to lift his head. The grieving 36-year-old parent, from Skelmersdale, Lancashire told the ECHO: “When Kalel was two and a half he had a major seizure. He had to go to Ormskirk Hospital. They couldn't snap him out of it for 13 hours."
Medics soon realised that little Kalel had suffered a 'catastrophic brain injury', with dad Paul adding: "He lost half his brain matter. He was then peg fed and put on medication for seizures. We believe he had muscular dystrophy."
Kalel, who was non verbal, suffered frequent bone fractures, seizures and chest infections due to the condition. When he reached four years old, his parents Paul and Kelly were told to 'prepare for the worst'. Miraculously, though, he survived a further six years. against the odds.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
The youngster 'lost half his brain matter' after a terrifying seizure (Paul Woodward)He is survived by brothers Jake, now aged 11, and six-year-old Louie. Over the past few years, the family were able to make special memories together at Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, where actor and film producer Paul is set to feature in a new documentary.
The feature-length film called ‘The Little Things’ will give viewers a glimpse behind the doors of the hospice, casting a light on the personal stories and relationships of families, staff and volunteers. Kalel died peacefully at home in May 2019, in a room he shared with his older brother Jake.
Paul said: “It was really peaceful. He just went to sleep and didn't wake up. His little brother was singing a song when I found him. It was like a film." Paying tribute to Kalel, Paul said: "He was just magnificent. It was things like the wind blowing his hair that would make him giggle. The squeak on the back gate would make him giggle to a point where he wouldn't take a breath. Ducks quacking made him giggle.
"I think that's what makes him so amazing - even though he had all of these things going on, he was a happy little boy. He was the most wholesome, beautiful human and I think he's the whole reason behind this film in many ways."
Kalel's condition required 24/7 care (Paul Woodward)Paul added: “I want this film to break down the barriers surrounding conversations about hospice care. A hospice isn't all about the doom and gloom it is often perceived to be, but rather the opposite. For us, and for Kalel, it was the little things – making those precious memories that we now get to keep forever. By opening the doors of Derian, we can share this love and shed light on something that is so important to many people's lives.”
It will cost £11,000 to fund the project, and Paul and his film crew are crowdfunding to help them achieve their goal. You can visit the fundraising page here. Filming began at Derian House earlier this month, with plans for the documentary to be completed early next year. Paul, of film production company Old Swan Films, will initially showcase the film at international film festivals and also hopes to find a distributor.
Caroline Taylor, head of income, marketing and communications at Derian House, said: “We are so grateful to Paul and his team for their generosity in giving up their time and using their talent to help us show the world what a wonderful place Derian House really is.
“Many people hear the word hospice and imagine a sad place, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sad things do happen here sometimes, but our staff and volunteers work hard to create special moments and memories for the families who come here and our corridors are filled with love. You cannot help but feel the warmth and joy when you come into Derian House – it’s a very special place, and to show the world that would be fantastic.”
Based in Chorley, Lancashire, Derian House cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While it is free for families, it will cost £6million to run services at Derian House this year alone.