Lucy Alexander put the focus on her family in a moving new documentary this week as she shared details of the heart-breaking moment her daughter was left paralysed by a childhood illness. Kitty was just seven was she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological disease, and as part of BBC's Matron, Medicine and Me: 70 Years of the NHS, Lucy and her husband Stewart Castledine bravely returned to the places that were most significant in her recovery.
There were tears, hugs and heartfelt thanks as they met with those who had helped save their daughter, from nurses, doctors and physiotherapists. The show clearly stuck a chord with viewers, who have gone on to publicly praise the Homes Under The Hammer star for sharing her story.
© Photo: BBCLucy pictured with her husband Stewart and their brave daughter Kitty
The show saw Lucy recount her daughter's journey, from the moment of her devastating diagnosis right through to her treatment at the National Spine Rehabilitation Centre. Both she and her husband were able to meet face-to-face with some of the staff who cared for their daughter as she battled for her life at the Evelina London Hospital.
HELLO! EXCLUSIVE: Lucy Alexander gives moving interview about paralysed daughter
The pair became particularly emotional as they met with Doctor Andrew Durwood, the paediatrician who was with them when they faced the "ultimate decision about Kitty's health" – turning off her ventilator.
© Photo: BBCKitty was just seven when she was paralysed by the disease
"Her life was in your hands. God we were scared," Lucy told him. "It's quite emotional seeing you. You are a man we talk about often at the breakfast table… you do such good work here. Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts… You are very special to us."
Lucy has previously spoken about Kitty's diagnosis in an exclusive interview with HELLO!, describing how her world fell apart when her daughter was struck down by the rare neurological disease that left her paralysed.
© Photo: BBCLucy credits the NHS with saving her daughter's life
She credits the NHS with saving her child's life; "At one point we didn't know if she would even survive, but fortunately she was in the right place - under the care of the NHS."
Shortly after the show aired, Lucy took to Twitter to respond to the overwhelming response from fans. "Thank you for all your kind comments, wanted to share out story with you, thanks to #NHS Kitty is doing brilliantly!" she wrote.
