Avoch Primary School pupil wins major athletics race in Inverness two years after he was fighting for his life after his lung collapsed
TWO years ago, Fraser Murray was left fighting for his life after part of his right lung collapsed.
Admitted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, the six-year-old from Fortrose was urgently airlifted to hospital in Glasgow for vital lifesaving treatment.
An unknown virus which caused his condition left the Avoch Primary School pupil in hospital on an ventilator between Inverness and Glasgow for 10 days before being allowed returning home.
Last week, the primary one pupil showed that he has overcome his illness when he won his individual race at the Baillie Cup, the largest school athletics event in the Highlands, in Inverness.
His mother Karen says it was a proud moment for her to see how her son has managed to bounce back, two years after he was fighting for his life.
She recalled the moment that her son had fallen ill in May 2023. After his first examination at the GP, he was immediately put on oxygen.
Karen said: “Two years ago Fraser had been admitted to Raigmore Hospital with respiratory issues.
“At the GP, he had to be put onto oxygen and then transported to hospital by ambulance. He started off in Raigmore Hospital Paediatrics High Dependency Unit after being admitted with severe bronchospasm and respiratory distress.
“He developed respiratory failure with acidosis and had to be transferred by helicopter to Glasgow.”
Fraser required to be airlifted to receive urgent treatment at the Paediatrics Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. Karen said due to Fraser’s lung condition, being flown to hospital was a risk itself, but was necessary to help save his life.
She recalled: “He was not getting better at Raigmore and they made the decision that he had to be airlifted to Glasgow to receive further intensive care.
“They told me things that might have to be done in the helicopter, but I was told that he might not survive the journey to Glasgow because of his oxygen levels.
“I was told the riskiest part of the journey was going over the Cairngorms as the helicopter had to fly higher. As you fly higher, oxygen levels drop which could have impacted him.
“I wasn’t prepared that was the last time I could have heard my son speak. He was four at that point. During the journey I felt I could do nothing and all I could do was pray he would make it to Glasgow. All I wanted him to do was survive the helicopter journey. The thoughts that went through my head included would I ever see his first day at school. When we arrived in Glasgow he was in intensive care and a machine did his breathing for him.
“However, his treatment was successful and came off the ventilator and we remained in Glasgow for six days before we came back home. Thankfully he made a speedier recovery that expected.”
The virus which caused his lung to collapsed was unknown, with tests unable to determine what caused his condition. But since being released from hospital two years ago, Fraser has been on an asthma plan. But it has not prevented him taking part in sport and fitness classes as his mother described him as an active and enthusiastic young boy.
She said: “Ever since that day I have encouraged him to get involved in sport and physical activities. He started in athletics and swimming to help build up his stamina and general well being. He loves being involved in sport.”
Fraser was one of the winners at the Baillie Cup last week, where almost 800 pupils from 35 primary schools in Inverness-shire and Ross-shire competed at the Queens Park Stadium in Inverness.
He claimed victory in the 120 Metres Section One Race and was part of the Avoch Primary School team which claimed bronze after finishing in third.
Karen was sitting in the stands watching her son achieve success and got emotional seeing him taking part, fearing two years ago that her son may not have survived after falling ill.
She said: “Two years ago, it went through my head if I would ever see his first day at school.
“Thankfully, I have been able to see that day. I felt privileged that I could see him take part in the Baillie Cup, because there are parents who don’t get to see their kids grow up. Not every child survives serious illness.
“I was so proud to see him in action and what he has managed to achieve.
“A lot of parents don’t want their kids to grow up. I am extremely grateful that Fraser will.”
