An 18-month-old boy from Birmingham is facing a long and difficult recovery after he accidentally drank drain cleaner, believing it was milk. The child, Sam Anwar Alshameri, picked up the bottle while his mother was cleaning the bathroom. She had placed the cleaner on the floor while working, unaware that he had followed her inside.

The damage was immediate and severe. The corrosive liquid burned Sam’s lips, mouth, tongue, and airway. His father, Nadeen Alshameri, said the injuries were so extensive that his son could no longer eat, drink, or speak. When Sam arrived at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, he went into cardiac arrest. A team of doctors and nurses managed to revive him after nearly three minutes.

Sam spent two months in intensive care. His lips have begun to seal shut, leaving only a tiny opening that prevents him from swallowing. He now receives nutrition through a tube placed directly into his stomach. Doctors have told the family that his condition is rare, and his father says they have heard differing opinions about when surgery should take place.

The family fears waiting too long. Sam is at home but still urgently needs reconstructive procedures. His father says there is no clear timeline for treatment through the NHS, and he worries each day about his son’s condition. Because of the uncertainty, he hopes to take Sam to specialists in Germany or Turkey and has started a fundraising campaign to cover possible medical costs.

The family’s focus now is on securing the care Sam needs to regain the ability to eat, speak, and breathe comfortably. His father says they are doing all they can but need help to give him the best chance at recovery.