Pontypool RFC is to raise funds for a critically ill girl who continues to battle Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare and potentially life-threatening disorder that causes the body's immune system to attack part of the peripheral nervous system.
Two-year-old Felicity Watkins became unwell in December with what appeared to be a simple case of the flu, but her health rapidly deteriorated. Within hours of Felicity being admitted to the Royal Gwent Hospital by her mother, Frances, she was urgently transferred to the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales and placed on a life-support machine.
Felicity spent almost two weeks in a coma over the Christmas period and despite regaining consciousness, she faces a lengthy recovery. Her family are now hoping to raise £10,000 so that specialist medical equipment can be purchased for when Felicity can eventually return home.
To help achieve the family’s £10,000 target, Pooler aim to raise £500 before the SSE SWALEC Championship campaign concludes in April, having already raised £150 at the club’s SSE SWALEC Cup encounter versus Bedwas RFC earlier this month.
“The trauma Felicity and her family has experienced is incredibly tragic and the thought of any child spending Christmas critically ill in hospital is truly heart breaking,“ said Pontypool RFC Chief Executive, Ben Jeffreys.
“Felicity has displayed tremendous courage throughout her illness and the commitment made by her family – particularly her older brother, Dylan - to provide every comfort to Felicity when she is able to return home has been inspirational.
“The Watkins family have supported Pontypool rugby club for many years and if in some way we can reduce the financial anxieties they may face by helping them achieve their £10,000 target, then we are only too happy to help.”
Donations to Felicity’s Fund can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/felicitysfund/ and supporters are kindly asked to donate at Pooler’s home match versus Newcastle Emlyn RFC at Pontypool Park on Saturday.
Thank you for your support.
