A baby boy who had to be resuscitated and rushed to hospital is in need of £1.2 million treatment to improve his chances of survival.

Megan Willis and John Hall, from Colchester, had their lives turned upside down after their seven week year old baby, Edward, had to be induced into a coma and undergo a series of medical tests.

They're now waiting for a possible confirmed diagnosis of type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) - a genetic condition that makes muscles weaker and causes problems with movement which could impact Edward's ability to crawl, swallow and breathe.

Ms Willis said everything changed for her son three weeks ago when her partner, Mr Hall took Edward to the shops with him. On the way home, Edward started to cry but when he stopped Mr Hall thought he had fallen asleep.

Watford Observer:

Edward Willis-Hall. Credit: Megan Willis

But once looking in the car mirror he realised his son was "white and blue". Edward had to be resuscitated and he was rushed to Colchester General Hospital.

The couple were first told it could be Bronchitis and he was put into a medically induced coma and given "every drug under the sun". Staff continued to conduct tests but one nurse noticed that Edward's body was "floppy" - a sign of type 1 SMA.

She added: "Once the neurology team got involved it went from zero to a thousand in the space of a day.

"It is a mistake in your DNA where a protein is missing. Your body gives out proteins and makes your muscles move.

"Our bodies can regenerate the proteins but Edward's body can't - this leads to the loss of motor neurons - the nerve cells that control muscle movement. So once damage is done it is done."

Watford Observer:

Edward in the hospital. Credit: Megan Willis

"This condition may affect crawling and walking ability, arm, hand, head and neck movement as well as breathing and swallowing."

Ms Willis said she was told that it could be SMA is currently waiting for a confirmed diagnosis. She said after research she found that there is treatment in America called Zolgensma that costs £1.2 million.

She said before 2017 SMA was considered a life limiting illness as there was no treatment and that babies now have a better chance of living past the age of two. She said he now has a higher chance of survival but believes the treatment abroad could give Edward a better chance.

The couple decided to start a fundraising page and so far have raised more than £50,000 just from social media.

A friend of Megan's, Daryl Ellis, from Bushey, found out about the campaign and her six-year-old daughter Evie has contributed more than £800 by walking 5km at Cassiobury Park.

Watford Observer:

Evie from Bushey has raised £700 for the family in Colchester. Credit: Daryl Ellis

She said: "She was so chuffed with herself for raising the money. She's very kind and always tries to help people."

Ms Willis added: "Evie has done a lovely job and this fundraising has given us hope as well as a distraction."

To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/