Meet Anyia, my princess…

Born 2 years ago. she spent the first 14 months of her life at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. And subsequently so did I, her mum/my wife Jen and her 4 year old sister Rhiya (my other princess, pictured here with Anyia).

Anyia was born with a Complete AVSD and a hypo-plastic aortic arch, which basically means amongst other things she had holes in her heart and a narrowing in her aorta which stopped blood circulating around her body. She needed constant watch which meant long stays in intensive care and 5 surgeries before she was 9 months old.

Luckily we were at the best hospital in the  so the treatment she’s received has been phenomenal. We cannot thank the staff enough for what they have done and for being unbelievably calm and supportive through all those hours and hours of agony whilst we hoped and prayed that Anyia would be OK.

Thankfully, she has got stronger and we were able to eventually take her home, so our house if now a home to all 4 of us. But as she gets older she will need to return for further surgery and of course, all three of us will be right by her side.

This why any donation you can make to the Children’s Heart Appeal is so important as the hospital seeks funding to build the latest technology in cardiac surgery, a hybrid theatre, the first of its kind in Europe. It will mean BCH can increase the number of children it treats and deliver an even higher level of care to children just like my princess. With your help, Anyia’s future surgery will be in the best possible theatre, with the best 21^st century technology and delivered by her world class surgeon.

As a parent, you want the very best for your child and this is exactly what I will get for my daughter and all of the many children who will be treated at BCH in years to come.

Please be sure to visit www.bch.org.uk where you can find out more about the Appeal and see Anyia and some of her friends.

On 19 September 2010, a team of us will be cycling along the canal route from  to  upon Avon to raise money for Children’s Hospital and their Heart Appeal. The team consists of my work colleagues at HSBC, together with some friends and family who will be giving blood, sweat and tears to complete the route – all we ask is that you give us you support and a donation for this great cause.

And when you donate, please remember my little princess and all her many friends and their families at BCH who are so grateful for your efforts and will benefit so much from your support.

Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page.

Children with poorly hearts need help from those with good ones… Please spread the word and dig deep…

onating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.