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In February this year my 3 month old niece became unwell with what was thought to be just a common cold virus. She became more unwell, and was found to have an abnormal, rapid heart beat in her local hospital. She was too sick to stay there, so Southampton hospital sent a specially adapted ambulance with a dedicated team of paediatric doctors and nurses to transport her to their paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Her heart was quite damaged by this time, and wasn't working properly. She had to be on a machine for a few days that breathed for her. With the expert care of dedicated specialists, my niece improved daily until she was able to be moved to a children's cardiology ward, where she continued to be monitored until she was safe to go home. Unfortunately, nobody is sure why her heart rhythm became abnormal, but she is now at home and her heart is pumping effectively again. She is still on some medication to control her heart rate and her blood pressure, and has regular checkups, but is expected to make a full recovery. 

The team at Southampton not only provided expert care that saved my niece's life and minimised the complications that could have arisen, but cared for the whole family too. They took the time to explain the possible diagnosis to my brother and sister-in-law, and explained any intervention and investigation that happened. They also provided them with accomodation so they could both stay with my niece during her stay at Southampton.

By donating to Friends of PICU, you will be helping raise money to buy vital, life saving equipment, including improving the ambulance transport provided for critically sick or injured children. The charity also helps maintain the parents' accomodation. Recently, the charity has been aiming to raise money to fund employing a psychologist for the children and families of PICU, as it is often a traumatic time for all those involved. Your money will help this unit carry on providing intensive care for children with life threatening problems across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey, Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands, as well as children from much further afield. 

Donating 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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thanks for reading! 

Nicki xx