A TAYSIDE boy with a rare genetic condition was rushed to hospital on his way to Disneyland Paris.
Blake McMillan, four, was born with MECP2 Duplication Syndrome — an extremely rare genetic condition that means he has trouble moving and speaking and is prone to respiratory infections.
The Carnoustie boy, along with his six-year-old sister Faye, were surprised when their mum Jenny, 39, announced last week they were off for a trip to Disneyland in the French capital.
But on their way, the youngster was rushed to hospital in Stoke with breathing difficulties.
Jenny told the Tele of the experience that almost ended in tragedy.
She said: “Blake had been doing really well for about four or five weeks and I had been saving up to take him and his sister Faye to Disneyland.
“We kept it a secret because we weren’t sure if Blake would be OK.
“We were driving because Blake can’t fly and we got to Stoke and stopped for the night. Blake wasn’t doing well.
“We ended up going to the local hospital in an ambulance at 3am and he was put on a ventilator.”
Blake was given a course of antibiotics and after Jenny explained the situation to the doctors he was given the go ahead to make the trip.
In a further scare, Jenny realised they had forgotten the medication in the hotel fridge, meaning that she had to fork out £100 for a replacement prescription in France.
Jenny, who arrived with her family in Paris on Friday, said she had repeatedly thought about cancelling the trip but had decided to take the chance.
She added: “You just need to make a decision based on what you think is best at the time. It’s been hard but we are trying to make the most of it.
“I’d have hated for Blake and Faye to miss out on the chance to go to Disneyland.”