Glasgow boy back at home with family after more than 5 years in hospital

A 5-year-old boy from the Southside of Glasgow is now living at home with his family after spending years in hospital wards.

Rayhan developed a condition called necrotising enterocolitis and after a difficult operation he was left paralysed from the neck downwards.

During his time in hospital, he spent 18 months being looked after by doctors in intensive care.

His dad Abid Salim told Clyde 1: "He spent around 5 years and 8 months in hospital and he is a twin which made it slightly more difficult for us as a family.

"Rayhan's twin sister and his older sister were not able to visit him in hospital during lockdown because of coronavirus restrictions.

"They went for periods of three or four months where they didn't see their brother because they were not allowed in the ward.

"My wife and I had to take it in turns to go up and visit him as the other one had to stay back with his two sisters."

Abid and his family had to make some changes and adaptations at home before having Rayan back.

They have hired and trained their own staff to look after him because he has complex care needs.

They are also just back from their first family holiday abroad.

Abid added: "We felt a mixture of emotions about bringing him home.

"On one hand we were nervous as it was a big change for the kids, but we have imagined this moment for a long time and what it would be like to be together again under one roof.

"There are so many things I will never take for granted including sitting around the table together, going for a walk and watching a film.

"All we want to do now is to explore the world and make lasting memories together."

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