Neil's campaign for Alder Hey Children's Charity

Sponsor story

To mark the 21st birthday of our son Thomas, a massive Liverpool football fan. I have decided to attempt a solo bike ride from Lands end to Bolton.

Thomas was born on the 16th August 1999 with a very difficult labour with mum Jinny in the Bolton maternity ward.

Hours after his delivery it became apparent that Thomas was having difficulties and becoming very ill.
Many doctors visited and confirmed their concerns followed by an ambulance ride to Pendlebury children's hospital where a specialist team was awaiting our arrival.
The hours of waiting seemed like days whilst Thomas was with the consultants, before we learned the devastating news.

Thomas had been born with a condition that we learned affects 1 % of babies born at this time... why us ???
In basic terms his two main arteries had been plumbed the wrong way meaning his blood could not gain oxygen and his health was worsening as each hour passed. Placed straight into critical care the options were discussed.
A procedure known as the transposition of the main arteries was considered essential with a 70 % survival rate!!! He was unable to receive the surgery immediately until his body had developed and was strong enough for such surgery.

It was decided to send Thomas to theatre at this stage for immediate surgery which apparently was normal to reopen the hole between the two main heart chambers to improve blood and oxygen flow.
Many hours passed whilst awaiting the outcome of his surgery when an overwhelming memory came to mind prompted by a letter of sincere thanks from all at pendlebury hospital!!

Aged only 13 I had decided to undertake a solo fundraising bike ride from Southport to Bolton with all money raised donated to the very same hospital that was currently operating on our baby boy.
Armed with this thought and newly found optimism Jinny and I discussed the positives to shortly after hear the great news that the procedure had gone Well.
Many weeks passed whilst thomas was building strength but unknown to us a new condition was starting with Jinny..
The difficult labour had its consequences and severe pain had started with Jinnys health now worsening.
Whilst efforts to control this issue had started, the main focus was on Thomas.

Once Thomas had reached an acceptable level of strength and growth a transfer to Alder hey childrens hospital was arranged for his main surgery.
Upon arrival we were shown to our new home for the foreseable future at the Ronald M'cdonald House, A brand new facility assisted by donations by their restaurants throughout the country.
The place was great, comfortable and allowing some normality through this difficult time.
Thomas was straight onto assessment followed by more days of careful monitoring and strength building.
After many consultations it was decided for a date to be set for the transposition.
Meanwhile Jinnys condition had progressed to a bad infection and was admitted to Liverpool womens hospital.
Life at this time had become a blur, a nightmare and splitting my time between hospitals mostly as a milkman !!
Luckily Jinnys condition was under control within days and normal life at our temporary home at M'cdonald house continued.
The next part of the story is too difficult to share regarding the pre operation discussions and the time during the operation. I will just say that it was considered to have gone very well.!!



Many more anxious days of recovery and care under the expert hands of Dr Peart and team had passed before we eventually were able to take Thomas home for the first time..

The exact time under the care of the hospitals was unknown but believed to be at least a few months. Whilst I am sure we thanked everyone involved in the unbelievable care a hundred times it never really felt enough.!!!

Thomas has been fit and well playing football and undertaking all sports possible. A return to Alder hey annually for a full Heart checkup has been done with Dr Peart carrying out the consultation himself mostly every year!!

2018  was finally an emotional goodbye to Alder hey and Dr Peart with pictures taken for this memorable moment. Again thanking for all there outstanding care.



A little about me. Proud dad to both Thomas and his younger sister Jessica, husband to Jinny.
Recently returned to cycling following a break of approx 30 years !
47 years old with my own share of joint troubles and surgeries including cruciate ligament replacement.
My return included the use of an electric pedal assist mountain bike and having covered many miles in the last 12 months, I believe myself capable of the Lands end to Bolton trip.
I will be attempting the journey of approximately 450 miles in 6 days with my very understanding wife following in a campervan.. 
Whislt the current global issue of covid 19 has prompted a huge amount of money raised by a variety of unbelievably kind hearted people, it is a hard fact that many organisations rely heavily upon charity with a massive shortage due to this horific pandemic.
Your kind donations would be greatly appreciated and maybe help others that are currently in the same nightmare as us 21 years ago..

Thank you for reading our story