A nine-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after he collapsed suddenly at school.
Alex Darracott went to school as normal one morning last week, but by lunchtime, his parents Cris and Melissa received a devastating phone call to say Alex had collapsed suddenly.
Alex was "in a really bad way" and was rushed to Whiston Hospital where he was treated for a viral infection. However, tests soon showed the schoolboy had suffered a suspected bleed on the brain and the next morning he was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
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Mum Melissa Penketh called dad Cris, who rushed to Alder Hey where Alex underwent a seven hour operation. Family friend David Keelan said doctors were "preparing them for the worst".
David told the ECHO: "The surgeon said it was a serious operation and they didn't hold a lot of hope which was heartbreaking for them. He came out of surgery at around 9/10pm that night and they were told the next 24 hours were critical."
But incredibly, Alex, grandson of the late Everton footballer Terry Darracott, has defied the odds despite being given a 20% chance of survival. The day after his major surgery, he was out of his coma and had woken up, leaving everyone "gobsmacked".
David added: "His speed of recovery has been immense. A walnut sized clot was taken out of his head. The surgeon kept saying he cheated death, he didn't expect him to be awake for the first few days.
"He was meant to be in for two weeks but he's being discharged today (June 22). They aren't sure what the long term damage will be but his sheer will to not give in and get home to his family."
A Gofundme page has been set up to help the family, some of whom were travelling to and from hospital every day.
David added: "He was about to go to after school club, he's a mad footballer. He's been player of the year and is a huge Everton supporter, it follows in the family because his grandad played for Everton.
"Alex has a recovery period ahead of him and their focus will be on the family and how they support each other."
Anyone wishing to donate can do so here. The fundraiser reads: "He has a loving family, parents Cris and Melissa, and siblings Kiera and Harley are all spending as much time as possible with Alex during his post-operation time.
"They have all been supported by the amazing staff at Alder Hey and Ronald McDonald House. The family unit is holding strong but needs your help and support in the long road ahead."
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