On May 8, 2024, Bertie Raymond Melly came into the world weighing a minuscule 1lb 10 ozs at just 24 weeks and 5 days of gestation.

At only 10 days old, he underwent his first of many abdominal surgeries due to having NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis), which is a life-threatening gastrointestinal disease.

NEC primarily affects premature infants, where immature bowel tissue becomes inflamed and dies, potentially leading to a hole (perforation) that leaks bacteria into the abdomen, causing sepsis.

Just after reaching full term, Bertie transferred from the NICU at St Thomas’ to Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Bertie remained there until he was 19 months old, during which time he fought many battles to get better.

Bertie’s parents were housed at the Ronald McDonald House near the hospital, and after 547 days, Bertie and his parents came home to Kent.

Our brave boy, who smiled throughout his journey, appeared in National news, including double-page newspaper spreads and on ITV, reporting on his journey and celebrating his FINALLY getting home in time for Christmas.

As a family, we would like to thank everyone who sent hundreds of lovely messages on social media about him getting home.

They meant so much and have been printed off and saved so he can read them when he is older.

Bertie is still not out of the woods, and although he is home, his parents, Callum and Phoebe, still provide daily medical care for his central line for IV nutrition and his gastrointestinal feeding tube, all while juggling full-time jobs.

Nonetheless, Bertie is thriving at home and leading a near ‘normal’ life.

Despite everything he has been through, Bertie is the happiest little boy and a joy to be with.

As a family, we are eternally grateful to the team of Surgeons, doctors, and Nurses from both NICU and Evelina who have saved Bertie’s life.

As a gesture of gratitude, we are embarking on a fundraising mission to support the hospital so other children can receive the same exceptional care Bertie did.

Bertie’s entire family, including Bertie as he’s now almost waking, are all individually clocking their steps throughout April.

We aim to cover 547 miles, representing the 547 days Bertie spent in hospital, and raise £1,900 to tie in with Bertie’s story.

We know times are tough with the cost of living; however, we feel any contribution, no matter how big or small, is going towards a meaningful cause, helping children in need.

On behalf of all those involved and everyone who is able to contribute, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A huge thank you to ALL who have contributed so far and made us nearly reach our target way before we thought. In order to raise as much money as we can for such a fantastic and needy cause we have increased our target. Every penny will go to make a difference in children’s lives who for what ever reason depend on the support of Evelina London’s Children’s Charity. The sky is the limit. THANK YOU.