Rory Cullum: An Inspirational Grimsby Toddler Who Nearly Lost His Life to Sepsis
Key Highlights :
Rory Cullum, a 2-year-old Grimsby toddler, has been raising awareness of his illness by walking a mile for charity after having to have his leg amputated. Rory's story is one of incredible strength and courage, as he nearly lost his life to sepsis at just 3 weeks old.
Rory's parents, Charlotte and Pete, live in New Waltham with their son. At three weeks old, Rory became very ill and contracted sepsis, which almost took his life. Thankfully, Rory survived his ordeal and was transferred to the Sheffield Children's Hospital for treatment. However, as a result of his illness, Rory had to have his leg amputated when he was just 10 months old.
Charlotte and Pete are dedicated to making sure Rory doesn't feel different to everyone else. To help with this, Rory recently took part in a sponsored walk alongside Paralympian Richard Whitehead. Charlotte said, "Rory was born in the middle of Covid and when he was just three weeks old he contracted sepsis and nearly died. Thanks to the amazing doctors at Sheffield though, he pulled through. However, he had to have his leg amputated and has been through 13 surgeries to make sure everything is okay."
Charlotte and Pete reached out to other parents who were going through similar experiences and immersed themselves in it to see what they could do for Rory. They eventually came across the Richard Runs foundation, which was set up by Paralympian Richard Whitehead. Charlotte said, "We saw he was doing an event in Nottingham to raise funds to help disabled kids get into sport and as an amputee himself we thought he would be a great role model for Rory."
Rory entered the 1km event and, having only started walking properly in April this year, Charlotte knew it would be a big challenge for the young Grimsby boy. Charlotte and Pete did the walk alongside Rory and managed to finish it in about an hour and a half. Charlotte said, "Myself and Pete did it alongside him and managed to finish it in about an hour and a half. He asked us to carry him a few times, but the promise of an ice cream and a medal seemed to perk him up."
Rory was also helped along the way by Richard Whitehead, which was a great experience for him. Charlotte said, "Rory kept pointing out other amputees along the route, saying 'they're like me' and that's exactly what we wanted, to make him realise he's no different to anyone else. When we got to the end, Pete and I both cried. We want him to know he can do anything he wants and we are so proud of him. He will be able to do anything he puts his mind too and it gave us the reassurance that everything will be okay."
Rory's story is one of incredible strength and courage, and he is an inspiration to all. Despite what he has been through, Rory doesn't let anything get in his way and is determined to live life to the fullest. Charlotte and Pete have done an amazing job in helping Rory to understand that he is no different to anyone else, and that he can do anything he puts his mind to.
