Kevin Webster is set to face every parent’s worst nightmare in Coronation Street next week when the doctors tell him some tragic news about his young son Jack.
After examining the little lad’s feet doctors at Weatherfield General confirm he has ischaemia – a shortage of blood meaning the tissue has been starved of oxygen.
This comes after Jack was rushed into hospital where it was confirmed he was suffering from sespis – blood poisoning – from a graze on his knee which became infected.
The consultant tells Kevin that it’s spreading and that they need to amputate Jack’s foot. Kevin is stunned.
Knowing it’s vital to save Jack’s life, Kev gives the operation the go ahead and – luckily – it goes smoothly, meaning Jack’s leg is saved and no more tissue is dying.
But when Jack comes round from the operation, Kevin is left with the grim task of telling his son that he’s had to have his foot amputated.
Meanwhile Sophie overhears her dad telling Gina that he wishes he’d never left Jack in Sophie’s care and that he blames himself for the accident.
But all Sophie hears is that he thinks it’s her fault and she confides in Kate that Kevin blames her for what’s happened to Jack.
Later in the week, an exhausted Kevin arrived home from hospital, emotionally drained from the stress of the week.
When he sees Jack’s football boots lying on the floor though, the reality of the situation hits him full force and he breaks down.
Michael Le Vell who plays Kevin has spoken out about the heartbreaking storyline. He said his character is overwhelmed with shock.
“He didn’t know things could move this quickly from what he thought was just a little scratch. Kevin had seen it and wasn’t concerned about it yet in a matter of days it was life threatening.
“Kevin doesn’t understand how a fit young lad can suddenly find himself in this position, it’s devastating.”
Michael also explained how Kevin feels when he’s told Jack’s foot needs to be amputated.
He revealed: “He’s heartbroken, he doesn’t know where to turn or who to talk to, he’s in his own little world and he feels lost.
“He still can’t understand the situation they’re in and how quickly it’s escalated. It’s a heartbreaking decision to be faced with, Kevin doesn’t want to be the one who decides on amputation, but Jack is so seriously ill he’s left with little choice.
“He doesn’t want to make the decision just in case the doctors are wrong, it’s so tough.
“Jack was a promising little footballer and Kevin had high hopes for him then suddenly out of the blue he’s got a life and death situation on his hands and he finds himself in a world of despair.”
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Coronation Street have been working closely with the UK Sepsis Trust on this storyline. CEO of the Trust Dr. Ron Daniels said: “It’s been fantastic working with Coronation Street on this storyline.
“The process has been really collaborative and we are very grateful to the writers and technical team, with whom we have been working closely to ensure that the story is dealt both accurately and sensitively.
“We feel privileged that a television programme with such enormous reach as Coronation Street is helping to raise the profile that affects so many and yet is recognised by so few.
“Together, we’re aiming to empower both families and health professionals to ‘Just ask: could it be sepsis?’ and to change the way sepsis is handled in the UK.”
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Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Times may vary due to World Cup fixtures.