Katy Isabella Kitching was born on 25.10.2010

Despite paediatric tests picking up a heart murmur and a heart scan identifying various mild and moderate heart conditions, Katy was deemed fit to be discharged and enjoyed nearly a week in the comfort of our home with Mommy, Daddy and her very proud big sister, Emma.

Unfortunately Katy deteriorated rapidly on 05.11.2010 and was diagnosed with a severe thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).  Katy was in a critical condition at this stage and received round the clock care in the Intensive Care Unit while answers were being sought.  She was made comfortable, and after a couple of very difficult days Katy’s condition stabilized and she slowly began to show signs of improvement.

Over the next four weeks Katy encountered various additional complications but she battled bravely and was moved on to a longer term treatment plan to reflect the improving prognosis.

Katy Isabella Kitching died on 07.12.2010. 

Despite the difficulties she'd encountered and the undoubted struggle she'd have faced if she'd made it off Intensive Care and on to the specialist cardiac ward, her passing came as a surprise and, of course, a significant shock.

Her sudden passing was thankfully peaceful.  The incredible care given by the Birmingham Children's Hospital nursing team ensured that Katy was comfortable even on difficult days.

To reflect our gratitude to the doctors and nurses of Birmingham Children's Hospital, and in recognition of the impact that Katy's bravery has left on us, we have decided to try and raise funds that will contribute in some small way to ensuring that Birmingham Children's Hospital remains a centre of excellence for patient care and parental comfort. We will be looking to hold sponsored walks, runs and other events as well as seeking donations from friends and family.

We've been shocked to discover just how common something like this is.  1 in 100 children are born with heart defects but thankfully many, unlike Katy's most severe condition, are treatable. 

Even small donations really do make a difference. 

£10 = 1 day’s funding for a Transport Incubator
£25 = 5 neonatal masks for a new born baby
£50 = half a day of Specialist Play Therapy
£100 = 1 week’s funding for a PICU Ventilator
£250 = 10 sessions with a Cardiac Patient Liaison Nurse

We would also like to acknowledge the support provided in Katy's early days by staff in Telford's Antenatal Clinic and Shrewsbury's Maternity Unit.

Additionally, our time spent in Birmingham would have been much more difficult, if not completely unbearable, had it not been for the amazing 'home-away-from-home' service which was located just 5 minutes walk from the hospital.  It costs the charity £25 a night to house a family, and they rely heavily on donations from people who have been in our position to keep the service running for others. 

The time we were given with Katy was invaluable, and we will be eternally grateful to all mentioned for providing this and assisting us through the most difficult of times.

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Many thanks to our friends and family that have made personal donations. 

We'd also like to acknowledge the following offline contributors:

Friend & Family contributions at Katy's funeral service: £424.00

Feel The Beat Line Dancing event: £100.00

Elephant & Castle Quiz Nights: £1314.34

Rob & Chris: £100.00

Maws Pamper Day: £1015.00

Sponsored Walk: £1473.60

Linzi and Holly's Reverse Bungee Jump: £340.00

The Great Birmingham Runs (2011+): £2000.00

Great North Swim 2016: £330.00

Music Magpie: £50 (and freed up some space in the garage)

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Links we like...

http://www.bch.org.uk/donate.php

www.rmhc.org.uk

http://www.sath.nhs.uk/services/maternity/default.aspx

http://www.uk-sands.org/