This September I'm running the GNR for Chuf because without the work of their charity and PICU at the Freeman hospital, my daughter Pippa wouldn't be here today!

Anything you can donate no matter how big or small we will be extremely grateful! Our family and friends have been so supportive during our nightmare experience and we hope you can now help us support other families by raising this money! ❤

Our Story:

At the end of March our world was turned upside down beginning with a trip to the GP, as despite feeding well, Pippa wasn't gaining weight.

The GP heard an undetected heart murmur and referred us to the QE.

After some initial observations it was clear Pippa was not well and it was likely a problem with her heart. Pippa's oxygen levels were unrecordable and she was turning blue.

Pippa was blue lighted to PICU at the Freeman hospital by the Nectar transfer team (who are just incredible), where she was stabilised by ventilation and doctors putting a temporary hole in her heart to allow her oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix.

Pippa was diagnosed with Transposition of the great arteries (or TGA). Its a condition whereby the two arteries from the heart are swapped, so that they end up the wrong way around and Pippa had been receiving mainly deoxygenated blood around her body. This condition is incompatible with life unless corrected with open heart surgery. 

TGA is present from birth and usually diagnosed during a pregnancy 20 week ultrasound scan. Unfortunately for us and Pippa this was not the case and it was a miracle she made it to 5 weeks of age with this condition.

Pippa underwent open heart surgery at the Freeman and we're overjoyed it was a success and she has made a quick recovery.

We are lucky to live so close to one of the best children's heart units in the UK with such amazing surgeons,  doctors and nurses. We cannot thank them enough for saving our daughters life - we honestly thought we had lost her that night.

We will be forever grateful CHUF who provide all the funding for the Children's heart units around the UK and this gives us the opportunity to give something back and help other families.

Pippa is now back at home where she belongs and is never leaving our sight - ever!

Pippa Berrisford you are an absolute inspiration and we are so proud and lucky to be your parents!