In May 2022, our youngest son Arthur was born at the Lister Hospital, and we were so excited to bring him home to meet his big brother, Finley.

Just three days later, while at a friend’s BBQ, Arthur suddenly became very sleepy and refused to feed. Thinking he was simply overwhelmed from the excitement of the day, we took him home to rest. But when we tried to wake him later, he was unresponsive and cold to the touch. We rushed him to hospital, where the team acted immediately and admitted him to critical care.

Arthur was having seizures, and doctors worked quickly to understand why. One incredible doctor decided to test his ammonia levels, a decision that ultimately saved Arthur’s life.

The results showed dangerously high ammonia levels caused by a very rare genetic condition called OTC, which meant his liver couldn’t properly remove toxins from his blood. Arthur and I were transferred by blue light ambulance to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he received lifesaving treatment.

After two weeks in intensive care and a further month on Squirrel Ward, we began learning how to care for Arthur and manage his condition. Over the following year, we spent many days and nights on Bluebell Ward at the Lister Hospital, getting to know the amazing team there.

Throughout everything, the kindness, compassion and dedication shown to our family never wavered. The staff at the Lister became a huge part of our journey, and we will never stop being grateful for the care they gave Arthur, especially the doctor whose quick thinking changed his future.

A year later, Arthur received a liver transplant from his Dad, which successfully cured his OTC. Today, Arthur continues to do brilliantly and still visits the Lister regularly for check-ups to monitor his liver health and keep him well.

We would love to give something back to the hospital that gave so much to our family and so many others.

Our hope is to help create a brighter, more welcoming and state-of-the-art environment for children and families at the Lister Hospital, including family rest areas, protected play spaces for children undergoing treatment, and beautiful outdoor spaces where children can simply enjoy being children.

The Lister is our local hospital, and so many families in our community will rely on its children’s services at some point. Supporting this appeal means supporting local children and families when they need it most.

This charity is especially close to the hearts of Mrs Smith (Erin), Ms Jerram (Nell), and myself who will be running in honour of the incredible care their children Ivy, Leo and Arthur have received. The children themselves will be running or cheering us on from the sidelines!

If you are able to donate, no matter how big or small, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you for helping us give back to the people and place that gave our family so much hope.