100K in May

Thanks to the Co-Responders in Cheddar and staff at the Bristol Children's Royal Infirmary, who saved Casey’s life.

On Sunday 31st October 2021, when Casey was 6 weeks old, he was having his morning bottle. Out of no where, Casey started screaming, a scream that we had never heard before. About a minute later a vivid purple rash appeared on his limbs and abdomen. It was like purple pen had been drawn all over him. I knew something was not right and told Casey’s dad to ring 999. During that time, Casey went from screaming to grey, limp and lifeless. We didn’t know what was wrong but knew that he was struggling for breath and to stay conscious.

Whilst waiting for the ambulance, the local Fire-station co-responders arrived to offer vital assistance and helo. They rushed to get a tiny baby mask on him to give him oxygen. Instantly the oxygen helped him breathe and gave him some colour. We were so grateful for their quick actions to help save Casey.

30 minutes later, the ambulance arrived. They checked him over and checked his heart rate which was 319bpm. As a result he was rushed to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. I travelled in the ambulance with Casey. They continued to monitor his heart and oxygen levels, not being able to explain to me what was happening.

When we arrived he was rushed into the resuscitation unit where about 20 individuals were waiting to help him.

We were told by the doctor that he had Supraventricular Tachycardia. SVT happens when the electrical system that controls the heart rhythm is not working properly. It is quite common in babies and young children. It isn’t always life threatening as usually the heart can reset itself, however it can lead to cardiac arrest if not rectified.

Casey’s heart had been beating at 319bpm for around 2 hours. Due to the length of the episode and Casey’s heart not able to recorrect itself, the doctors had 3 options to try and reset its rhythm and pace which included drugs and putting him to sleep to carry out an electrical cardioversion. We were lucky that the doctors managed to stabilise Casey with option 1. They managed to shock his heart using ice cold water shock treatment, which was a natural way. After two attempts, his heart reset back to a reasonable rate.

Once they had stabilised him, they transferred him to the cardiology ward. We spent time on the ward and met many lovely nurses, doctors, cleaners and other staff.

When Casey was discharged we were given stethoscope training and medicine. At the moment, we continue to monitor his heart and give him medicine daily. Thankfully he hasn’t had any further episodes since, which is a positive sign. We remain under the cardiology nurse team who will continue to monitor him.

I would like to raise money for the local fire station co-responders. I would also like to raise money for Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (Grand Appeal charity).

I’m hoping to raise £1 for every 1K. I will jog a total of 100K in May. I will take photos and document the fundraising on my personal Instagram and Facebook page.

Thank you so much x