Family prepare for first Christmas at home after record 800 days in hospital

A family who spent a record-breaking 800 days living at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People are preparing to celebrate their first Christmas at home together.

Two-year-old Gabriel was born with a rare genetic condition, and doctors thought he might only live for around three months.

His parents, Teena Thomas and Sebastian Paul, remained by Gabriel’s side throughout his treatment, staying at Ronald McDonald House while their son received round-the-clock care.

Gabriel was discharged in August after more than two years in the hospital and is now getting ready to spend Christmas at home for the very first time.

“There were times when we felt Gabriel wasn’t going to make it,” Teena told STV News. “He turned blue many times, it was so scary and we cried loudly because we thought he was gone.

“Every time he came back, he came back with a smile.”

Although Gabriel still requires 24-hour care, his parents have been trained to provide the support he needs at home, alongside ongoing outreach services.

“Since the moment we told him we were going to go home, he started showing signs of wanting to leave, and he got so excited,” said Sebastian.

During Gabriel’s lengthy hospital stay, the family was able to stay together thanks to accommodation provided by Ronald McDonald House in Edinburgh, breaking the charity’s record for the longest-staying family.

Ross King, house manager at Ronald McDonald House, said: “Eight hundred nights, we’ve never had a family that has stayed anywhere near as long.

“It meant a lot to us to be able to keep them home, that sort of normalcy, and provide as close to a normal family life, so that they could create moments and enjoy those moments.”

The family of three also have another reason to celebrate – they are set to welcome a new addition in the new year.