Mother says vulnerable son, 7, won’t get NHS care he needs if people don’t follow lockdown rules 

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Mother warns her vulnerable son, 7, who suffers with muscular dystrophy won’t get the NHS care he needs if people don’t follow lockdown rules

  • Shelly Simmonds lives with her seven-year-old son Fraser in Billericay, Essex
  • Family were told to self-isolate for 12 weeks due to the little boy’s vulnerability
  • Have already had several routine appointments cancelled with more set to follow
  • Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID

By Raven Saunt For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A mother has said that her vulnerable son who suffers with muscular dystrophy will not be able to get the NHS care he needs if people continue to flout the coronavirus lockdown rules. 

Shelly Simmonds has been told to self-isolate for 12 weeks with her seven-year-old son Fraser at their home in Billericay, Essex.

The family have already had several routine appointments cancelled with more set to follow.

They say that Fraser, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, will be left at risk if the NHS does not resume normal care for months.

Shelly Simmonds has been told to self-isolate for 12 weeks with her seven-year-old son Fraser (pictured) at their home in Billericay, Essex

Speaking to the Southend Echo, Ms Simmonds said Fraser had already had appointments cancelled including a heart scan and consultations with bone specialists. 

She said: ‘Both of these are a critical part of his care and could have serious consequences if we don’t see them.

‘It’s the not knowing that’s worse. We don’t know what’s going on. 

Ms Simmonds is now urging people to stick to the lockdown rules that are currently being enforced to ensure that those with life-limiting conditions can get the support they need. Pictured: Fraser on the school playground

Ms Simmonds is now urging people to stick to the lockdown rules that are currently being enforced to ensure that those with life-limiting conditions can get the support they need. Pictured: Fraser on the school playground

‘We might not know if there’s something wrong. The damage could be irreversible.’

Ms Simmonds is now urging people to stick to the lockdown rules that are currently being enforced to ensure that those with life-limiting conditions can resume with the NHS treatment and support they need.  

She added: ‘Please stay at home. Fraser is relying on you.’     

What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare disease caused by an absence of dystrophin – a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact.

The first symptoms are usually seen between three and five years of age and worsen over time.

Life expectancy for those with DMD is usually in the 20s, though more and more sufferers are living into their early 30s.

The disease often occurs in people without a known family history of the condition and it primarily affects boys.

DMD occurs in about one of every 3,600 male infants worldwide.

The disease causes loss of movement, weakness and eventually death.