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I am trying to raise £10,000 for Great Ormond Street after they cared for my son when he was 14 months old. You can see my son's story from this short video, please click here:  http://vimeo.com/13311296 

The full story:

In July 2009, my son Emilio was diagnosed with Craniosynostosis at the age of 11 months. Craniosynostosis is a condition where infants are born with an abnormally shaped skull. It is a rare type of birth defect that affects an estimated one in every 2,500-3,000 births.

The condition needs to be treated promptly because the resulting abnormal skull development means that if it is not treated, there will not be enough room for the brain to develop as the infant gets older. If Craniosynostosis is left untreated, the bones will begin to squeeze the brain, increasing the pressure on it. Over time this can cause brain damage.

In July 2009, we met 3 specialists at Great Ormond Street who confirmed that Emilio had Craniosynostosis. We were left with 2 options, we could do nothing and risk Emilio suffering brain damage in the future or we could subject him to an operation at the age of 15 months acknowledging tthat the risks could be fatal.

While we were considering surgery, we were given access to a team of specialist nurses who answered all of our questions and helped us understand the procedure. After a lot of thought, we decided that the operation would be the best course of action for Emilio's wellbeing.

Between July and November we went back to Great Ormond Street for a range of tests and appointments and every time we went, we felt that the staff understood what we were going through. As well as showing empathy towards us, they showed patience towards Emilio (they understood that a 1 year old won't stay still for very long!)

Emilo went in to Great Ormond Street on 18th November 2009 for the operation. Again the specialists went through everything with us in detail, we were told what to expect from the moment that the anaesthetic was administered right through to the recovery process.

Although that day was the hardest day of our lives, the staff took the time to look after and reassure us. After the operation, we saw Emilio in the recovery room and from there he had non stop care. He was then transfered to Intensive care where each child has a dedicated nurse to look after them. Our nurse was lovely and remained nearby for the whole evening. My wife was able to stay in a bed by the cot the whole time.

Emilio was then transfered to his own room the next day where he carried on receiving care from a range of people.

3 days later, we were able to take Emilio home. The operation had been a complete sucess and we were overwhealmed with the care and dedication from everyone that we came in to contact with at the hospital.

Every year Great Ormond Street Hospital needs to raise over £50 million to help replace cramped, outdated wards with new modern facilities, provide essential equipment and fund essential research to find treatments and cures for complex and difficult illnesses

I never realised just how great this cause really is, Great Ormond Street will always have a special place in my heart for the way it helped Emilio. On the day I left the hospital, I decided that I wanted to raise money to give hope for other parents and children in the future.

In November 2010, I completed the Inca Trail trek in Peru which will involved following the Inca trail to an altitude of 4,400 metres. It was physically and mentally challenging but I made it and also made some great friendships on the way!

I am hoping to raise £10,000 and every donation helps.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Great Ormond Street will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for all your support.

Jose Saavedra