A father is running a marathon to thank Evelina London after the children’s hospital saved his baby son’s life.
Graham Sykes from Forest Hill is raising money for Evelina after doctors at the Waterloo hospital treated his baby son Ronnie, who just turned one, when he skated close to death with a dangerous heart condition aged just three weeks.
The congenital heart defect called Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome causes the heart to beat abnormally fast for periods of time and if left untreated can be fatal.
Ronnie was given life-saving treatment at his local hospital guided by Evelina London after his parents were warned he was close to death. He was then transferred to the intensive care unit at Evelina London.
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Graham, 36, said: “Ronnie was born on April Fools’ Day last year and as far as we could tell as new parents he seemed like a normal healthy newborn baby.
“But a few weeks after his birth my wife and I realised something wasn’t quite right. He didn’t seem like himself and he looked like he was in pain. His condition got worse and he started struggling to breathe. After contacting 111 we were advised to take him to A&E
“When we arrived at our local hospital what transpired was one of the most harrowing experiences of our lives. The doctors told us that Ronnie’s heart was beating extremely fast and they couldn’t get it to slow down. His heart rate was over 280 beats per minute and we were told that if it stayed that high his body would start shutting down.
He was extremely ill and we were warned it was touch and go. We felt so powerless as we watched by his bedside in the resuscitation room a team of medics desperately trying to keep him alive throughout the night. It was an extremely scary time. We were terrified.”
Ronnie spent six nights at Evelina London before being transferred home to recover. Ronnie continues to receive care at Evelina London and has regular check-ups with the cardiology team. He is now a healthy toddler and celebrated his first birthday at the beginning of April.
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Graham said: “Ronnie turning one felt really special after he was so ill. We’re planning a big celebration in May with our friends and family.
“Ronnie has no complications and his doctors have said the outlook for children who have been successfully treated is normal.
“He is a very happy active baby and loves playing with his musical instruments and wooden blocks. You wouldn’t know he had such a difficult start in life.”
Graham is taking part in the London Marathon in October to raise funds for Evelina London Children’s Charity.
“I really believe that if it wasn’t for the amazing care at Evelina London he wouldn’t be here now,” he said. “Without their swift help, world-class knowledge, amazing facilities, compassion and unwavering care he may not have made it.”
“Taking part in the London Marathon is my way of saying thank you to the amazing staff at Evelina London who looked after Ronnie.
“Everyone involved in his care was amazing and the level of care was phenomenal. The nurses, staff and consultants were all so understanding, empathetic and compassionate.
“I couldn’t thank them enough. We owe Ronnie’s life to them.”
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