A Tayside tot with a rare genetic disorder will be home with his family for Christmas after two recent stays in hospital.
Blake McMillan from Longforgan has Mecp2 Duplication Syndrome, and he is one of only 150 cases in the world.
The toddler’s condition means there is a tendency towards pneumonia and being very prone to chest infections.
Two separate cold viruses left Blake in hospital twice within the space of a fortnight but he made it home on Sunday in time to give mum Jenny, 37, an early birthday present.
“It’s been very hard the past two and a half weeks,” Jenny, who is originally from Carnoustie, said. “Basically it was two cold viruses.
“Most children would be managed at home but with Blake it becomes a lot more serious with the potential to lead to pneumonia. He really struggles.”
Blake needed to be on oxygen and antibiotics and he was initially kept in Ninewells Hospital for 10 days.
“They let him out a week past Sunday,” Jenny said.
“We got him home for two nights. Then on the Tuesday he had a very high temperature and I knew his oxygen levels were quite low. I just jumped in the car with him.”
Jenny stayed by her son’s bedside every night, with husband Paul bringing her supplies and looking after their four-year-old daughter Faye.
“You’re very torn,” Jenny said. “You’ve got a daughter who needs you as well and a husband.”
Now Blake has been passed as well enough to go home to his family.
Jenny said: “A lot of people were saying ‘I hope you’re out for Christmas,’ and I was thinking I hope he’s out long before then.
“I was starting to think if he’s in here it’s going to be a microwave meal for one.”
Blake got home in time for Jenny’s birthday on Monday and now the McMillans are hoping for a family Christmas at home.
“I’m happy to be home,” Jenny said. “I want to keep him away from germs. You’ve got to protect him because we don’t want him back in hospital.
“On Christmas day we’ve got some of the grandparents coming round for a meal.”