Mum asks for prayers as critically ill Blake is rushed to hospital

Sudden deterioration in the five-year-old’s condition has seen him placed on life-support

A five-year-old boy born with a rare genetic condition is battling for his life after being rushed into surgery after a sudden deterioration in his condition.

Blake McMillan from Carnoustie was born with MECP2 duplication syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes serious and life-threatening complications

There are only around 1,000 known sufferers of the condition in the world.

Blake cannot walk, talk or eat and requires round-the-clock care.

His condition deteriorated on Saturday and he was rushed into hospital.

His mother Jenny McMillan, 40, posted on Facebook: “Absolutely hate to report this but Blake is critically ill.

“He deteriorated rapidly overnight and was put on life support.

“He has been rushed to theatre and without surgery he had no chance of survival. With surgery, he has some hope.

“Words cannot describe my fear right now. Please send your prayers and positive thoughts his way, he desperately needs them.”

Her post attracted hundreds of comments from well-wishers.

Blake’s struggle comes just weeks after his family was given fresh hope that scientists could be on the verge of discovering a treatment for his condition.

Scientists in the US have shown a link between protein levels and two closelylinked conditions – MECP2 duplication syndrome and Rett syndrome.

Research has found deep brain stimulation in mice can restore the electrical activity of brain circuits that become abnormal when there is either too little MeCP2 protein – as occurs in Rett syndrome – or too much MeCP2 as in MECP2 duplication syndrome

Clinical trials would see if it the same treatment could work on humans.

Last year Blake had to undergo emergency surgery after his airway became blocked due to an issue with his feeding tube.

Jenny has been trying to raise £5 million for research into MECP2.

Two charity shops, in Carnoustie and Arbroath, have been set up to help raise funds.

People can also donate online by at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ reversemecp2blake.

“He deteriorated rapidly overnight and was put on life support. He has been rushed to theatre and without surgery he had no chance of survival. JENNY MCMILLAN

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Blake, pictured with his mum, Jenny, is in a serious condition in hospital.