On the 1st December 2020, Ollie received life saving open-heart surgery.  Less then two weeks beforehand, thanks to the quick actions of Dr Tim Palmer at Tonbridge Medical Group and the further investigations carried out by doctors at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, our 11 week old baby boy was diagnosed with a large Ventricle Septal Defect and a collapsed Aortic Arch.  Within a couple of days,  Ollie was admitted to the Evelina Children's Hospital.  Being transferred to a London hospital, by ambulance, alone, mid-pandemic is a terrifying experience.  It's something you watch on an emergency services documentary, not something that actually happens to you. Until it does. 

Although numb from the shock of the severity of Ollie's diagnosis, the Sky Cardiology Ward staff could not have been more supportive, understanding or caring.  One of the toughest things about our experience was not being able to spend time together with Ollie in hospital, nor having the physical support of friends or family.  Staying strong for Ollie, whilst navigating our way through what felt like the end of the world, was only possible due to the phenomenal support we had from the nurses, doctors, cleaners, occupational therapists, dieticians, surgeons, sisters and healthcare assistants.  

Forest Ward, the children's intensive care unit, is the last place any parent wishes to spend any time.  The photograph above is how Ollie looked in his first few hours after surgery.  Without the incredibly sensitive manner of the ICU nurses, we would have been terrified.  From the moment we arrived every nurse took the time to explain everything happening to Ollie.  Every line, every drug, every beep, every action was detailed to us ensuring we had a clear understanding of his treatment and progress.  Remarkably, our brave little boy was ready to go back to Sky Ward within three days of open-heart surgery.  He'd had his ventricle patched up and his aorta reconstructed.  Every moment of his ICU stay was documented by the nurses in a diary for him to read when he is old enough to understand his surgery.

The Evelina Children's Hospital is quite exceptional.  Dr Aaron Bell, Ollie's cardiologist, and Mr Conal Austin, Ollie's surgeon, are superheroes.  They saved our boy's life.  We will never have the words that go far enough to express our thanks.  However, we hope by raising funds for the Evelina, we will be supporting them in saving thousands of other children's lives.  We would be so appreciative of your contributions towards our target of raising £10,000 over the next ten years.

Thank you so much for your support,

Sarah, Tom and Ollie