Michael and Kyly Clarke relive the terrifying moment their daughter Kelsey-Lee, 3, suddenly ‘struggled to breath’ – before they rushed her to hospital where they were given a ‘scary’ diagnosis
- Michael and Kyly Clarke’s daughter Kelsey-Lee suffered an asthma attack in 2018
- ‘I could see, hear and feel that she was having trouble breathing,’ Michael said
- Daughter suffered a severe asthma attack, a condition she was diagnosed with
- The first-time parents have broken their silence about their private challenge
Australian cricket legend Michael Clarke and his wife Kyly have relived the terrifying moment their three-year-old daughter suddenly struggled to breath.
Speaking to A Current Affair, the couple broke their silence on their private challenge with parenthood – and Kelsey-Lee’s medical episode in late 2018.
‘All I could see, hear and feel was that she was having trouble breathing,’ the former Test captain said.
‘I think the scariest part for me was the unknown. I didn’t know exactly what was wrong.’
Australian cricket legend Michael Clarke (middle) and his wife Kyly (left) have recalled the moment their three-year-old daughter (right) unexpectedly stopped breathing in late 2018
As first-time parents, Michael and Kyly said they were initially unsure about what to do as their daughter gasped for air, but quickly decided to rush her to hospital.
‘I think you rang the ambulance and in the mean time I said ”nah, I’m not going to wait for the ambulance, get in the car”,’ Michael said.
Kyly said: ‘We were really shocked. Obviously we weren’t confident parents because she’s our firstborn. She’s only young.
‘I guess you need time being a parent to wise about these things and understand what they are.
‘We just looked at each other and thought best case scenario is to rush her to the hospital … she just couldn’t breathe properly.’
The couple have broken their silence on their private challenge with parenthood after Kelsey-Lee was diagnosed with asthma
Their daughter, who they described as ‘extremely energetic’ and ‘very caring’, had suffered a severe asthma attack, a condition she was diagnosed after arriving at hospital.
Doctors prescribed Kelsey-Lee Ventolin, which she was told to take six puffs of each day.
‘The great days – there’s nothing better in life, but the other part is quite scary,’ Michael said.
The cautious parents have also learned of a digital device – Respiri – which helps monitor those with asthma and detects early warning signs of an attack.
Michael and Kyly said the technology, which measures wheezing – a symptom of asthma – has given them the peace of mind they need.
The cautious parents have also learned of a digital device – Respiri – which helps monitor those with asthma and detects early warning signs of an attack
The daily results obtained from using the device are stored in an electronic diary and can be sent to the doctor.
‘Now if I feel if something is not right, I’ve got an option to get some information into my brain before making a decision,’ Michael said.
‘Do we need to give her the puffer? Is she going to be fine and she doesn’t need anything, no medication?
‘Do we need to take her to the GP, or do we rush her to emergency? Now we have some options.’
When asked what the future holds for the family, Michael responded: ‘A healthy, happy little girl.’
‘We were really shocked. Obviously we weren’t confident parents because she’s our firstborn. She’s only young,’ Kyly said
The new technology, which costs $300, is not yet approved by the Therapeautic Goods Administration – an Australian government health department which regulates medicine and medical devices.
Michael, who led Australia to their 5th Cricket World Cup Triumph and a first-time dad, says one his challenges is convincing people he’s ‘no different to any other 38-year-old’.
Asmtha – a condition where the airways narrow and make breathing difficult – affects one in 10 Australians and 339 million people worldwide.
About 225,000 people in the world die from asthma every year.
‘Best father to our little Bella’: Kyly Clarke shares a heartwarming tribute to her husband Michael
By Ali Dahar for Daily Mail Australia
Kyly Clarke proved her marriage to Michael is stronger than ever when she shared a sweet loved-up snap to Instagram last Thursday.
‘Best father to our little Bella’, she captioned referring to their three-year-old daughter Kelsey Lee Clarke.
It’s just one of many amorous photos the couple has shared in recent months.
In January, Kyly told Daily Mail Australia that she and Michael are happier than ever following false split rumours.
Tribute: Kyly Clarke posted a sweet tribute to her husband Michael on Instagram last week
Still going strong: In January, Kyly told Daily Mail Australia that she and Michael are happier than ever following false split rumours
‘We’re not, never were and never will be splitting,’ she said, before adding that the secret to their successful marriage is regular ‘date nights’.
The retired cricketer married Kyly, a former model and weather presenter, in 2012 and they welcomed their daughter Kelsey Lee in November 2015.
In June, the former Test captain placed the Bondi Beach investment property he once shared with ex-fiancée Lara Worthington (née Bingle) back on the rental market.
According to News Corp, the beachside pad became available for a reduced price of $3000-per-week this month.
A piece of showbiz history! Last month, Michael placed the Bondi Beach investment property (pictured) he once shared with ex-fiancée Lara Worthington (née Bingle) back on the rental market for for $3500-per-week