Just last month, the Bristow family lost their beloved 9-year-old Sadie in a sudden and rare allergy attack.
The family was spending the Sunday afternoon together at Whitstable Castle. Parents Stewart and Clare were minding their one-year-old, and Sadie was playing with her big sister Charlotte.
Later that day, Sadie came inside and told her parents that she was feeling unwell, according to Kent Online.
Her mum and dad soon realised the gravity of the situation and rushed her to the closest medical centre they could find, Estuary View Medical Centre.
But tragically, Sadie would not respond to medical treatment and passed away in the hospital. It wasn’t until later that doctors explained why the young girl had died so quickly.
“Anaphylactic shock shuts down the airways very quickly and she did not respond to treatment despite being administered with 16 shots of adrenaline, which is the first course of action,” Stewart explained.
They attributed the allergic reaction to the nine-year-old’s dairy intolerance which the family dealt with daily. But bizarrely, Sadie had no specific trigger on the day of the tragic incidence.
“It is very rare and I think even the doctors were taken aback by the speed of it,” the dad said.
The devastated parents admirably choose to see the light in their dark circumstances. Their daughter’s passing has broken their hearts, and they want to make the most of their tragic situation to raise awareness and potentially save the lives of other children with serious allergies.
The family started a crowdfunding page to go towards a charity in Sadie’s name. “We're raising money for the legacy of Sadie to continue in the form of a foundation or charitable organisation - inspiring Sadie's passion, tennis and awareness of the ever increasing dangers of allergies.”
The young girl shared her father’s passion for tennis and was one of the top tennis players in the UK - ranked no1 UK 9u girl.
“In her short life she lived to the max at all times. Her infectious smile and lovable nature will be missed by so many.
“Sadie was a hugely talented girl - her desire and commitment to succeed was an inspiration for so many.
“Her journey was just beginning.”
We are happy to see people coming to the family’s aid and supporting their honourable cause. The page has already raised over £17,000 in funds.
If you would like to donate to the Bristow family and contribute to Sadie’s charity, you can do so here.
