A Dorset campaigner for children suffering with Long Covid is 'relieved' that her charity will now be part of the next stage of the Covid Inquiry. 

Sammie McFarland, from Weymouth, CEO and founder of Long Covid Kids, is 'thankful' that a provisional decision to not give her charity core participant status in module 8 of the Covid Inquiry has been overturned.

Her charity supports thousands of children across the UK who are suffering with the debilitating effects of the chronic condition and feels that children's voices have all too often been ignored during the pandemic.

READ: Weymouth woman's fight against long Covid amid inquiry

This next stage of the inquiry is investigating the impact the pandemic had on children and young people.

Chair of the inquiry, Baroness Hallett, granted the charity, along with its sister charity Long Covid Kids Scotland an opportunity to make a renewed application which was submitted on July 16.

The group then submitted an open letter endorsed by charities, politicians, clinicians and NHS paediatric post COVID leads.

Following its publication, the letter was further supported by nearly 1,000 members of the public within 48 hours.

READ: Weymouth mother develops resource for kids with long Covid

On the news that the appeal has been successful, Mrs McFarland said: "The voices of children and young people with Long Covid have been largely absent from conversations throughout the pandemic, allowing opportunity for misinformation, adding to their burden of stigma.

"I am relieved and thankful that Baroness Hallett recognised the importance of giving these doubly affected young individuals the opportunity for effective representation in Module 8 through Long Covid Kids, Bhatt Murphy and our legal team."

Long Covid Kids was set up by Sammie in 2020 after she and her daughter contracted Covid and developed the debilitating chronic condition Long Covid to provide a support network for children with the condition.

Mrs McFarland has been a strong advocate for research into the condition and has also welcomed the first findings from the inquiry's Module One,which looked into the government's preparedness to handle the pandemic.

READ: Weymouth campaigner responds to Covid-19 Inquiry findings

Approximately 11,000 children and families suffer from Long Covid, according to the charity.

The charity says that children and young people with the condition have experienced the dual burden of the social and educational disruptions, including the loss of learning during the pandemic, as well as the long-term injury to their health.

Part of a statement from the charity also read: "It is incredibly welcome that Lady Hallett has recognised the importance of the effective representation of children and young people with unique experiences, perspectives, and insights so that changes can be made to protect all children.

"It is hoped that the children’s module will make specific recommendations relating to disease transmission, with a particular focus on considering long-term risks from COVID-19 and ensuring children and young people are included in all aspects of pandemic preparedness and decision-making."