Hucknall couple whose son's life was saved by intensive care staff at QMC looking to give back by organising dance show fundraiser

A Hucknall Mum and Dad are organising a dance show to raise money for the ward of a local hospital that saved the life of their one-year-old son earlier this year.

Rebekah Priestley and her partner Alex Reid described it as "the worst week of their lives" when their son Luca was admitted to the children's intensive care unit at The Queen's Medical Hospital.

Luca had developed RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus), Bronchiolitis, pneumonia and had two bacterial infections on his lungs. Further medical investigations revealed that his body hadn't taken to vaccinations he'd had as a baby, meaning he didn't have immunity against a raft of common diseases.

With the right treatment and expert care from the staff, Luca was able to leave intensive care after four days and was discharged a few days later. He is on medication for life and is under specialists at the hospital, meaning his condition is being managed and he's able to live a 'normal' life.

Now Rebekah and Alex are determined to raise as much money as possible for the ward that has left a lasting impression on them.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, Rebekah said: "The staff were outstanding. And it's not just the care they gave Luca, the care they provide for family members as well was amazing. They could never do enough (for us).

"It broke our hearts to see our little boy so helpless. The comfort for us was the staff. They treated Luca like he was their little boy and they couldn't do more for him and there was never a moment where we ever doubted that he was getting the best care in the world.

"We were so happy when he turned the corner. They couldn't believe the turnaround in such a short space of time but that's a testament to the work they do."

Miss Priestley runs her own dance school, and it is through her pupils putting on a dance show that she hopes to raise some funds to "give something back."

The performance will take place on Sunday 1 May at The John Godber Centre and tickets will cost £5 each. There will also be a raffle which has already been well supported by local businesses who have generously donated some prizes.

Additionally, for her class for children under the age of five, Rebekah will be putting on a disco and party at Oceans of Fun soft play centre on Wood Lane in June, the proceeds of which will also go to the ward.

"The NHS have been ridiculously amazing in these past two years and we just want to give something back for saving our little boy," Rebekah added.

For further information about Rebekah Priestley's School of Dancing visit their Facebook page here.