Brave Blake, 7, likely to spend Christmas in hospital bed

A young Angus boy battling a rare condition is facing Christmas in hospital.

Blake Mcmillan, from Carnoustie, was diagnosed with MECP 2 duplication syndrome at just three weeks old.

The condition means the seven-year-old cannot walk or sit without full support, although he can move his head and limbs and wriggle about.

There is no known cure for the illness.

Blake has faced many major setbacks in his young life and he is currently in Ninewells, with the prospect of spending Christmas in hospital.

Mum Jenny Howe admitted long hospital stays were a regular feature of Blake’s life.

She said: “It has been four weeks since Blake was admitted.

“It’s been quite a journey with lots of complications along the way.”

Jenny said Blake was supposed to be in Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children for an operation but had not been able to go because there were no critical care beds available.

She said: “There is a chance that Blake will be in hospital for Christmas.

“We are meant to be going to Rachel House hospice for a prechristmas break on Friday so here’s hoping we get there.”

Jenny said the situation was starting to take its toll on the whole family.

“We haven’t done anything festive this year and the house is only partially decorated. “We just aren’t in the mood. “My daughter Faye is really struggling too and desperately needs her brother home to get back to normality.

“It is all so frustrating.

“I badly want him home so we can all be together again.”