Kelsey Stratford has confirmed she’s pulled out of The Only Way Is Essex’s Christmas special as her sister Kennedy battles coronavirus in intensive care at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
In a message shared to Instagram on Sunday, the tutor, 19, revealed she’s isolating for two weeks and has taken a test after her eight-year-old sibling – who already has ‘severe breathing problems’ due to her SMA illness – contracted the virus.
The reality star also thanked her social media followers for their support during the ‘heartbreaking’ time, and insisted Kennedy is ‘such a fighter who will pull through this’.
Pulled out: Kelsey Stratford won’t take part in filming TOWIE’s Christmas special as her sister battles Covid in intensive care at Great Ormond Street Hospital (pictured earlier this month)
Sharing an update on her relative’s health, Kelsey wrote on her Stories: ‘Thank you so much to all you kind people that have messaged me about my sister, it means so much.
‘It is so clear to see she is so loved by many and I will keep you all updated on how she’s doing.
‘She’s in the best place possible ATM she’s in intensive care in Great Ormond Street Hospital with amazing doctors, nurses and my parents looking after her and they don’t leave her side… she is such a fighter and I know she can pull through this I just know it.’
The media personality ended her post by detailing why she’ll be absent from filming the series, set to take place in the next few days.
Staying safe: The tutor, 19, revealed she’s isolating for two weeks and has taken a test after her eight-year-old sibling (pictured below) contracted the virus in an Instagram post on Sunday
‘She’s in the best place’: The reality star also thanked her followers for their support during the ‘heartbreaking’ time, and insisted Kennedy is ‘such a fighter who will pull through this’
TV stint: The influencer joined the ITVBe series in March last year (pictured in October)
‘We are all so heartbroken’: Kennedy already has ‘severe breathing problems’ due to her SMA illness
‘Also, I do have to self isolate for 2 weeks now and have done a Covid test today for people asking and that does mean I will not be filming for the @TOWIE Christmas Ep’, she added.
The influencer first revealed Kennedy’s diagnosis earlier in the day, alongside a picture of her in her hospital bed.
Kelsey penned: ‘So as you can imagine me and my family are all heartbroken because yesterday Kennedy got rushed into hospital and got tested positive for covid19.
‘She is really fighting but she has severe breathing problems as it is so I can only imagine how hard it is for her now. she is in intesive care (sic).’
She went on to explain in another post: ‘My little sister kennedy got rushed into hospital yesterday and tested positive for COVID19, we are all so heartbroken as kennedy has severe breathing problems from her terminal illness SMA as it is.
‘So this is very dangerous for her. Kennedy was high risk to covid & we tried our best to shield her from this terrible virus but unfortunately because of her low immune system she caught it.
Struggle: The media personality first revealed Kennedy’s diagnosis earlier in the day, alongside a picture of her in her hospital bed
Emotional: Kelsey shared a close up photo of her sister in hospital, and said: ‘Im so sorry my little baby. You can do this’
‘She doesn’t deserve this’: Alongside images of her sister over the years, the brave star claimed ‘life is so cruel’ and asked fans to send their prayers
‘She is in intensive care but really fighting like she always does, so i just need everyone to keep her in your prayers and hopefully she gets through this my strong little girl she doesn’t deserve any of this (sic).’
MailOnline has contacted Kelsey’s representatives for comment.
SMA is Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which is described by the NHS as a condition that makes the muscles grow weaker and causes problems with movement.
Kelsey also went on to share pictures of Kelsey over the years, which showed her using a ventilator to help her breathe during various outings.
Fears: Kelsey explained that because of her SMA Kelsey has a ‘weak immune system’ and it is ‘very dangerous’ for her to have COVID-19
Condition: SMA is Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which is described by the NHS as a condition that makes the muscles grow weaker and causes problems with movement
Reflecting: Kelsey went on to share pictures of Kelsey over the years, which showed her using a ventilator to help her breathe during various outings
Kelsey has already set up a GoFundMe page for her sister, as she asked fans to donate what they could to help Kelsey as she battles the disease.
Speaking to MailOnline, Kelsey said: ‘I’m raising money via my GoFundMe page for SMA UK and we have arranged a Christmas Jumper Day on 11th December where you can take part and donate while having some festive.’
Detailing the condition in the campaign, Kelsey said of her sister’s SMA: ‘This affects her movement from the neck down, but not her intelligence or sense of humour.
‘We also sadly lost my brother Karter to this condition when he was just a baby.
‘It would mean so much if you could donate anything you can, every little helps and will help the charity to continue their vital work supporting individuals and families such as mine affected by SMA !’
Spending time together: While her sister was in hospital, Kelsey shared a video alongside her as she asked fans to subscribe to Kennedy’s YouTube channel
Candid: Detailing the condition, Kelsey said of her sister’s SMA: ‘This affects her movement from the neck down, but not her intelligence or sense of humour’