Story
2007 was a very special year for my wife Gemma and I. It saw the birth of our baby boy, Dylan James Rye.
July 2007 and we had just moved into our new family home and were frantically trying to get wiring, roofing, plumbing and decorating done in time for our little bundle of joy in September, when totally out of the blue in the middle of the night on 26th July 6 weeks early Gemma's waters broke. We were completely unprepared and a little scared as we had no idea what implications a birth at 34 weeks could have. We phoned the hospital and were told to come in asap. So with nothing but the clothes that we throw on we were off to the hospital.
After a few hours of being reassured and given all the facts and the realisation that our baby was on its way started to set in. We had a real mix of emotions. We were so excited that our baby would be with us soon, but we didnt know how healthy he would be or if he would have to be taken to another hospital to recieve more specialist care.
However before we knew what was happening Dylan was on his way and just before 9pm on july 27th 2007 Dylan was born weighing in at 5lb 4.5 oz.
After a breif cuddle Dylan was wisked away and was put on a machine to help his breathing. This was probably the hardest point of our 3 week journey. I had to go back to work and Gem was left to recover in the maternity ward with all the other mums and babies. However Dylan had to stay in SCBU to be monitored. This was incredibly hard for Gem. She couldnt even give him a cuddle.
It was over a week before we finally got to embrace our son for the first time. It was the most wonderful experience. It felt like we had been sperated for such a long time and we were finally united as a family.
Finally on the 13th of August we were given the all clear to take Dylan home.
Thankfully 7 months on, Dylan is as perfect as we could have hoped for.
We were so blessed to be supported all the way though our experience, and fortunately Dylan only needed time and the care of the team at Worthing hospital. However many babies arent so lucky and need a much higher degree of care and this is where the support network that Bliss provides is so important.
On the 13th April 2008 I will be running my 3rd Flora London Marathon in aid of Bliss and the Disabilities Trust and am aiming to run my first sub 3 hour marathon.
I would love to run it knowing that I had done my bit to help these two charities to continue their fantastic work. Therefore I am organising the 2008 Charity Carp Challenge.
The Disabilities Trust - Bliss
Charity Carp & Catfish Challenge
25th - 27th April 2008
Thanks to the generosity and support of the team at Winton’s Fishery and the huge number of sponsors and anglers who have given their time and money to support our events for the last 3 years. 2008 will see the forth charity carp challenge in aid of the Disabilities Trust, and for the first time Bliss, the premature baby charity. Over the last 3 years the competition has raised a staggering £7,000 for the Trust who provide specialist care for children and adults with autism, people with an acquired brain injury, adults with profound physical disabilities, and adults with learning disabilities. This year we will also be supporting Bliss, the premature baby charity. Some newborn babies need a little extra special care. BLISS is dedicated to ensuring that more babies survive, have the best possible quality of life and that their parents and families get the support they need.
2007 saw the birth of our son Dylan, 6 weeks prematurely. Thankfully with the support of the staff at the Worthing Special Care Baby Unit, Dylan was fine and is now thriving. However it made me realise how lucky we were to have a support network in place even at that level. Bliss take this essential care to the highest level for the babies and parents who’s needs are far greater. The Carp and Catfish competition is a celebration of their work and the care that both charities provide. By raising money for such worthy causes we can help to sustain their work, and the care that they provide to thousands of people around the country.
The competition showcases the best carp and catfish fishing in southern England with 12 anglers competing in pairs to catch the largest weight of carp and catfish from Mallard lake on the Winton’s Fishery Complex.
We are aiming to make 2008 the most successful competition yet but we need your support. If you are interested in supporting the event or would like to know more please visit www.captiveangler.co.uk
or call Andy on 01903 217442
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