I’m running the Bristol 10k to support the Grand Appeal Charity (the Bristol Children’s Hospital) and would greatly appreciate any donations!

As a family we’ve recently had a terrifying situation which saw Archie become very unwell and the support we received from the incredible team at the Lighthouse ward (renal) at the Bristol Children’s Hospital is hard to put into words.

After alarming symptoms of d&v, Archie was admitted into the Bath RUH on 1st August. It was suspected he may have sepsis, but bloods revealed he had a rare but very serious condition called HUS. An infection that attacks your blood cells & ultimately shuts down the function of your kidneys. His condition worsened overnight and on Monday 2nd, we were transferred by ambulance to the Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Soon after arrival, Archie went into theatre under general anaesthetic to have an IV line called a vascath inserted into neck that would allow for dialysis treatment (amongst other treatments)

Over the course of the next week, Archie received 3 blood transfusions and 3 rounds of dialysis. We were in a state of shock and disbelief as we watched our son go through things no parent ever imagine, but 8 nights later, we will forever be thankful to say that Archie turned a corner and was able to be discharged from hospital to head home to start the recovery process - we’re delighted to say that Archie is doing really well and he is expected to make a full recovery! 

There will never be enough words to express our gratitude & overwhelming thanks to the wonderful team at the Lighthouse ward that got Archie home. Not just their exceptional medical intervention, but the unbelievably kind, selfless, dedicated care to Archie, Dave, myself and indirectly, Ted.

Donations to the Grand Appeal Charity will allow the Hospital to continue to provide incredible care to really poorly kids - one of the things that stands out is their Play Specialists. Play Specialists work alongside the clinical team to help the children process the treatment that they will receive; they have a room of toys and bring new toys to the bed each day; they are there before and after the anaesthetic and they were there when Archie was having to sit still for hours whilst he received dialysis and blood transfusions, just to play with him! They are reliant on donations to perform their job.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Sophie, Dave, Ted & Archie x