ALL PROCEEDS TO GO TO QUEEN CHARLOTTE'S NEO-NATAL UNIT - REF SCBU FUND 4432

My beautiful nephew Lorcan was born in Queen Charlotte's in March this year with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Luckily this condition was first picked up at his 20 week scan and the hospital were able to provide support and plan for his birth. 

CDH is a birth defect, an abnormality that occurs whilst the foetus is forming in the mother's uterus which leads to a hole developing in the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity). With this type of birth defect, some of the organs normally found in the abdomen move up into the chest cavity through this hole and, as a result, restrict the development of the lungs.

Early diagnosis put his chance of survival at 50/50 and, if he survived, would likely suffer with long term complications. After Lorcan's birth the doctors admitted his chance of survival was slim, he underwent surgery at three weeks to repair the hole in his diaphragm and put his organs back in the right place.

With the devoted help and support of all the doctors and nurses at Queen Charlotte's, Lorcan has made a miraculous recovery. He still only has one lung but he is healthy and extremely cute, although (like me) he'll never be a marathan runner. He remains under the care of Queen Charlotte's and will do for the forseeable future but his prognosis is much improved. 

I can't think of a better way to thank the hospital for all their hard work than raising much needed extra cash for their neo-natal unit. So along with my sister we will be putting on our running shoes in the hope of making some money for them; Colette will be running a series of 10K's (21st Sept & 26th Oct) and I will be running my first (& probably last) half marathon (5th October). All donations will go towards vital new equipment for the neo-natal ward to help other sick babies like Lorcan.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Neo-Natal ward will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us now - every penny counts!

Thanks for all your suport,

Maria, Colette, Sean & (most of all) baby Lorcan. xxx

 ALL PROCEEDS TO GO TO QUEEN CHARLOTTE'S NEO-NATAL UNIT - REF SCBU FUND 4432