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Toddler who nearly died from snake bite to be released from hospital before Christmas

A Queensland toddler who almost died after he was bitten by one of the world’s most venomous snakes is now able to walk and may be out of hospital in time for Christmas.

Two-year-old Eli Campbell was bitten three times by an eastern taipan while collecting eggs from his family's backyard chicken coop in Agnes Water on September 26.

He went into cardiac arrest and was believed dead for six minutes before paramedics revived him.

Eli went into cardiac arrest and was declared dead for six minutes before paramedics revived him. Photo: Go Fund Me
Eli went into cardiac arrest and was declared dead for six minutes before paramedics revived him. Photo: Go Fund Me

Eli's parents, Giles Campbell and Brittany Cervantes, said their little boy had been "severely impaired" by the bite and suffered a significant brain injury that left him immobile.

"Eli has some neurological problems which involve particularly the visual centres of the brain as well as the areas that control coordinated muscle movements,"

However, over the past two weeks Eli has made progress and is now able to walk unassisted and is beginning to speak again.

Eli was bitten three times by a taipan while collecting eggs from his family's backyard chicken coop on September 26. Photo: Supplied
Eli was bitten three times by a taipan while collecting eggs from his family's backyard chicken coop on September 26. Photo: Supplied


"Eli is back to his energetic self," Ms Cervantes wrote on the GoFundMe page.

"He is currently sitting, standing and walking (a little awkwardly) on his own.

"Eli is beginning to develop his vocabulary again, using some words and phrases he used prior to the incident but also lots of new words he's never even attempted before.

The toddler also passed an eye test for any standard two-year-old and he is now considered "independent".

Brittant Cervantes and her husband Giles Campbell are expecting their second child. Photo: 7 News
Brittant Cervantes and her husband Giles Campbell are expecting their second child. Photo: 7 News

"We still don't know if he is able to see in color, that will be something that can be assessed later," the update read.

"Eli has smiled again, laughed a few times, remembered some of his favourite toys and is starting to regain purposeful movement in his arms and legs."

Therapists said Eli has exceeded his prognosis and the family said they are so thankful their little boy is fighting and not giving up.

Eli Campbell was with his mother, Brittany Cervantes, feeding their chickens when he was struck by a taipan. Photo: 7 News
Eli Campbell was with his mother, Brittany Cervantes, feeding their chickens when he was struck by a taipan. Photo: 7 News
A coastal taipan. Photo: Dan Lynch
A coastal taipan. Photo: Dan Lynch

Ms Cervantes said they are looking to have Eli discharged on November 9 and have rented an apartment down the street from the Lady Cilento Hospital so they can still access the best care in the area.

"It will be amazing to have our boy at "home" with us so we can start to rebuild our lives together again," she said.

The family also announced the arrival of their second child who will be due during their stay in Brisbane.

A friend of the family, Blake Hyland, founded the fundraising page that has since received over $73,000 in donations.

"To the people around the world that have been touched by Eli's story and have donated to the GoFundMe account, and to the floods of messages we personally receive from family, friends and strangers just letting us know we are in their thoughts."