Three Peaks Challenge to Raise Funds for Kaylans new legs

Hi my name is Tom O’Kane and I am raising funds for my son Kaylan who has recently had both legs amputated due to a miss diagnosis by healthcare professionals.

From October 2024 my son Kaylan was suffering from a Strep A infection which was misdiagnosed on several occasions by several different doctors.

On the 14th December 2024 my son was admitted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital after suffering septic shock. This was after being told by a GP at an appointment 24 hours earlier that he had a stomach bug and to get him a McDonalds on the way home and he would be better in a couple of days. In the 24 hours Kaylans condition declined rapidly to the point where he became floppy, limp and developed a purple rash all over his body. Me and his Mum took him to George Elliot Hospital where they immediately took him from us and began to work on him. They quite quickly realised he needed an intervention of experts in paediatric intensive care so transferred Kaylan by Ambulance to Birminghams Children’s Hospital, where we spent 80 + days.

During the first 72 hours Kaylans condition was beyond critical and we were constantly reminded by consultants, doctors and nurses just how sick Kaylan was and his chance of survival was extremely slim. We were even encouraged to start to say our goodbyes. Family from far and wide came together and we got Kaylan baptised by the priest on site at the hospital.

Within a few days it was clear that Kaylans limbs were at risk as both arms and legs had turned black. The surgeon consultant advised there may be a slim chance of survival if they amputate both of his legs immediately. Me and his mum consented to the surgery as this was the only chance to save our sons life. While the family stood by for over four hours the surgery was a success despite being told there was a high chance he would cardiac arrest on the operating table due to the severe organ failure Kaylan was experiencing.

Christmas and New Year was spent with Kaylan still critical but now with strong hope that he may recover. At this stage Kaylan, as well as recovering from major surgery also had kidney and liver failure.

On 14th January Kaylan was moved out of intensive care and moved to a ward after defying all odds his kidneys and liver starting working again and it was also clear his brain and heart were unaffected by the septic shock, much to the surprise of the consultants that were responsible for Kaylans care.

On 24th February after numerous trips to theatre Kaylans journey at Birmingham Children’s Hospital was starting to come to an end and we were allowed to leave temporarily for ‘home leave’. This was a chance to see as parents how our son’s new condition would impact his home life and the new challenges it would bring day to day. 

Over the August 2025 bank holiday weekend myself, my cousin Brendan Connor, my Brother Patrick Gissane and his partner Chris Arnold will be completing the three peaks challenge, so we will be walking over 20 miles and climbing over 10,000 ft over a 3 day period.

All that we raise in sponsorship will be used to fund my son’s rehabilitation and prosthetic legs. I am looking to raise 100k as I know this figure will give Kaylan the best possible start on his journey as a 4 year old amputee and a fast and efficient rehabilitation. Before this traumatic experience my son was the most active child enjoying football, cycling and any form of physical activity. I want to get him on that path as quickly as possible before my sons childhood flashes before his eyes.

Me and Kaylans mum will be grateful of any contribution to help support our sons short term rehabilitation.

Thank you.