Our lovely son Lochlan was born with congenital heart disease (CHD) after receiving a pre-natal diagnosis of a complex cardiac condition called ‘Tetralogy of Fallots’. This is a combination of four structural heart defects which require multiple surgical repairs. Sufferers of the condition are referred to as 'blue babies' due to poor oxygen levels and the condition is critical. Although incurable, it is thankfully operable and Lochlan had his first surgery at just 2 weeks old, and his second when he was 5 months. 

For most parents of poorly children, the financial implications are understandably on the backburner... until parents find themselves struggling. When Lochlan had multiple post-surgery complications, our stay in Birmingham lasted over a month and paying for hotels for that length of time would just not have been feasible. 

Therefore, we are completing an endurance walk in 2023, to give back to the organisation who provided housing - Ronald Mcdonald House Charity (RMHC). We are very much indebted to them, and unfortunately we will undoubtedly need their services again in the future for Lochlan's further surgeries. The endurance walk which is over 100 miles, will be from Great Ormond street to Birmingham Children's Hospital and will take place over 4 days. This is a huge task... but a small token of our gratitude for enabling parents like us to remain with their vulnerable children.

Ronald Mcdonald House Charity (RMHC) is an independent charity providing free hotel accommodation for families with children in hospital for long periods of time. The Birmingham site accommodation offers each family an ensuite bedroom and access to a large kitchen/dining space for cooking, as well as a living room and playroom. It is located directly next to the hospital itself. This means that when families are not by their children’s bedside – they have a home away from home and are able to rest and refuel with the peace of mind that knowing that they could rush back to the hospital in minutes if needed. It also means that siblings are able to come and stay, so that families aren’t totally separated. Children are sent for specialist care at Birmingham, from all around the country – meaning families are forced to fork out unaffordable amounts of money for private hotels (while also missing work). As you can imagine, this can be financially impossible. Each year, over 6000 families need to use RMHC’s facilities. The charity receives no government funding, so maintaining this service costs a great deal of money – especially with rising utility costs.

It has been estimated that to fund one room for one year, the cost is approximately £5000, therefore, this is our goal amount. 

If you can donate anything at all to our cause, please do so on the link attached.  

We hope that you can help us to reach our goal on behalf of our lovely little Lochie <3

Sam and Amber x

P.S. Next time you go to Mcdonald's, it asks you if you want to round up your order for charity... well this hospital accommodation is precisely what that money is for - so please do! Also, the cash donation shoots under the drive-thru windows are used for this accommodation too - so add any change from your car!