WHEN Tim and Kim O'Grady started getting coronavirus symptoms, they were both worried.

But that was nothing compared to when their son Toby, who already has an incurable condition, also got the symptoms.

Born in 2013, Toby started having seizures when he was just a few months old.

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Doctors struggled to diagnose his condition, but eventually they worked out he had Dravet Syndrome – a type of epilepsy.

It means he has developmental delays, problems with speech and behaviour, and has seizures, so life is complicated enough.

However when Mrs O'Grady started to feel unwell with a fever, headache and cough, it added a whole new stress to their lives.

Mr O'Grady recalled: "Once Toby fell ill he started having seizure after seizure, each one getting a little worse and a little longer.

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"We were following all the advice and trying our best not to call an ambulance, but were at the end of our tether.

"We were suffering with Covid-19 symptoms at the same time acting as medical professionals for Toby, and it was just too much."

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Thankfully for the family, who live in Olney, they are clients at East Oxford's beloved children's hospice, Helen and Douglas House.

In fact, they were the last family to stay at the centre before lockdown, and one of the last things they received was advice from the in-house doctors about what to do if Toby caught Covid-19.

So, when he started getting symptoms, Mr and Mrs Grady were able to call the hospice up to get their expert advice again.

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The hospice staff gave the family advice on the drugs and protocols for Toby and the support to keep them going.

Staff continued to call the family over the next few days as the couple nursed Toby through the worse of the disease.

Mr O'Grady said: "It’s fair to say that without the medical support from Helen & Douglas House, we would have had to go to hospital, something we just couldn’t face in our poorly state. We owe them so much."

Soon the family’s symptoms eased, but they were left fatigued and continued to stay in isolation.

The hospice team then sent them a care package – as they did for many families – made up of items donated and funded by local corporate partners and businesses.

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Each of the parcels delivered to families included essential food items, toiletries and treats, as well as 'play therapy' items.

Mr O'Grady said: "They really do go above and beyond.

"For any of you that have donated to this wonderful charity before, thank you, you keep them going and they keep us going."

With Father's Day approaching this weekend, the team at Helen and Douglas House asked people to spare a thought for the dads they support like Mr O'Grady.

Well-wishers can show their appreciation to a dad while helping children of the hospice by buying a virtual gift from Helen & Douglas House.

Find out more at charity.ebay.co.uk/charity/HELEN-&-DOUGLAS-HOUSE-(TRADING)-LIMITED/11762