Freya
She only attends school three mornings a week now.
10 am - 12.45 pm on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is all Freya can manage due to the fatigue from Long Covid. In fact, day-to-day life has become so tiring that the 11-year-old often has to use a wheelchair to get around. Sadly, the hobbies and clubs she used to enjoy are no longer an option at the moment.
But it’s not just Freya’s life that’s been affected by the illness.
“Every day is a struggle managing childcare, work, and school,” says Freya’s mum.
Her parents have had to try and work from home where possible; something that’s not always easy due to the nature of their jobs. Instead, they often have to rely on grandparents for help.
Unfortunately, it was Grandad who passed on the virus to Freya in the first place. Breathing difficulties, coughing, and headaches turned to tinnitus, insomnia, and agonising back pain. Next came the tummy aches, nausea, and body rashes. This cycle went on and on as Freya tested positive for 19 days.
Since then, it’s been up and down in terms of the healthcare support this family’s received. Whilst Freya's GPs and York Hospital have helped with tests and prescriptions, Freya’s mum felt that the Long Covid clinic was dismissive after her initial diagnosis.
Today, continuous pacing is helping Freya get through the days - but she may need some rest breaks to complete her SATs.
“Her sister worries about her,” says Freya’s mum. “We don’t get to visit family as much as we previously could.”
That is why Long Covid Kids is committed to supporting research and creating resources like the LCK Educational Toolkit, and with your help, we can continue our work. Please consider donating today and help us be there for every family who needs us.
Long Covid Kids supports children and young people living with Long Covid and related illnesses, as well as the families and caregivers who look after them. We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work. And this is why we need your help to continue helping children like Freya who are struggling with Long Covid.
Please donate today to give children with Long Covid a brighter future.
£20 could help us continue championing the rights of children like Freya whose lives have been turned upside down by Long Covid.
£10 could help us run weekly support sessions for children like Freya who are immensely isolated by their illness.
£5 could help us moderate chat forums for young people like Freya desperate to connect with others in the same situation.
Your gift can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these brave young people. Thank you for your support.
If you, or someone you know has had a change in their health following a COVID infection reliable support and information can be found here:
