'This little lady is going home': Joy for West Yorkshire family after little girl battles life-threatening Kawasaki disease

Scarlett Nicholas, five, caught and recovered from a suspected case of Covid-19 in mid-March, but six weeks later was struck down by a rare inflammatory disease linked to coronavirus and was put on a ventilator at Leeds Children's Hospital.

Up to 100 children in the UK have been affected and studies suggest the same reaction is being seen in children elsewhere in Europe.

Mum Naomi, a stroke consultant who was at her bedside throughout, posted on Facebook on Wednesday: "This little lady is going home.

"Back in a few days for more tests but I cannot believe her life was saved last week.

Thanks you Leeds Teaching hospital Trust and my amazing employer Mid Yorkshire Hospital Trust - the flowers are beautiful, thank you.

"Thank you for saving our daughters life.

"Without prompt action from Pinderfields life could be different."

She added: "You never expect to need your child’s life saving and I owe them everything. This disease is treatable when caught fast - it’s a battle but treatable."

Stepdad Piers Roberts, a teacher, told the YEP: "She has been through a really traumatic situation, but the level of care she received at Pinderfields and Leeds has been amazing.

"They made sure she was in the best possible situation she could be in.

"They were amazed at the improvement she has shown in such a short space of time."

It might take Scarlett some time to get back to full strength, but for now she is enjoying being back at her with her family and pets, including tortoises, lizards and a python, at their home near Pinderfields.

Mr Roberts, who works at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, appeared on national television to raise awareness of what happened to his stepdaughter, and has urged the Government to commit to "trust, transparency and dialogue" before teachers and children can feel safe about going back to school.