A mother, from Holywell, is urging for greater awareness of hidden disabilities. Sarah Williams, 37, is advocating for more understanding of her son Archie's illness which is described as life-limiting. Nine-year-old Archie suffers from pulmonary hypertension (PH), a progressive condition causing high pressure in blood vessels linking the heart and lungs.
Despite his constant exhaustion and breathing difficulties, Archie appears outwardly healthy. Ms Williams is rallying support for an awareness day dedicated to PH, to shed light on the challenges of living with such invisible illnesses. PH Day UK, organised by the national charity Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA UK), is set to take place on Friday, November 1.
Ms Williams said: "People don’t understand why Archie can’t do what other kids do because he looks fine. "If he was in a wheelchair, it would be obvious, or if he was wearing an oxygen mask then people would ask questions. "But all they see is a pale little boy who doesn’t go out much.
"Simply walking to school is a huge struggle for him, but no-one has ever heard of PH so they don’t get how serious it is. "It’s taken Archie’s childhood away from him, but because it’s an invisible illness, people just don’t get it." Ms Williams and Archie have been challenged for using disabled parking bays, despite their blue badge.
Archie's condition prevents him from playing with his 16-year-old brother and three-year-old sister. Ms Williams said: "Archie’s.