A MESSAGE FROM GEMMA, ELLA-MAY’S MUM

On Saturday, 26th October, it started like any other morning—full of giggles, playing, and painting nails. But very soon after, our world was turned upside down. Ella-May suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. She was placed in a medically induced coma and rushed by blue light ambulance to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

When we arrived at Alder Hey, there was no hesitation from the incredible team of healthcare professionals. She was immediately sent for a CT scan to determine whether the issue lay with her brain or her heart. It quickly became clear it was her heart.

Ella-May spent 9 critical days in the ICU, where it was touch and go. She suffered another cardiac arrest and endured further life-threatening arrhythmias. The team trialed several medications, and thankfully, they found one that worked. Once stable, the ventilator was removed, and she was finally able to breathe on her own.

From the ICU, she moved to the high dependency unit for 2 days and then spent another 30 days on Ward 1C. It was here that Ella-May was diagnosed with Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT)—a rare and potentially life-threatening condition.

Throughout this time, Dr. Michael Bowes, her cardiologist consultant, worked tirelessly to get to the root of her condition. On 2nd December, Ella-May had an implantable loop recorder inserted to monitor her heart rhythms—an incredible device that alone costs over £2,000. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Alder Hey team, Ella-May was able to come home in time to enjoy a magical Christmas.

Unfortunately, her journey didn’t end there. On Wednesday, 22nd January, Ella-May was readmitted to undergo a sympathectomy, a procedure where part of the nerve is snipped to reduce adrenaline reaching the heart. This surgery was groundbreaking, as it had never been performed on a minor before. Dr. Bowes once again rose to the challenge, assembling an expert team from various hospitals—a complex feat that he accomplished with determination.

The hospital will remain a huge part of Ella-May’s life, and we are forever grateful to the incredible staff at Alder Hey. To show our appreciation and raise funds for this amazing hospital, Granny (Trudie) is taking on a challenge—an 84k bike ride in February!

We hope to raise money and awareness for Alder Hey, a place that has truly gone above and beyond for our family.