"Sheffield Children’s deserve every penny"

Meet one-year-old Archie! 

Weighing just 3lbs 8oz, Archie was born in Grimsby six weeks early in August last year. Within 24 hours of being born, he was transferred to Sheffield Children's.

Archie was born with Oesophageal Atresia and Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula, a rare congenital condition of the oesophagus (food pipe) and trachea (airway) that affects one in every 3,500 babies. It impacted Archie’s breathing and ability to process food.

Archie was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sheffield Children’s after having corrective surgery within hours of being transferred.

The initial surgery was successful, but Archie was having difficulty breathing, which resulted in him being intubated several times. At eight weeks old, it was decided that Archie would need a tracheostomy.

This procedure involves a tube being inserted into the windpipe, which allows him to breathe comfortably. Archie and his parents had an extended stay at Sheffield Children’s, spending the first three months of his life on ICU and the High Dependency Unit.

His mum Carly explains: “Sheffield Children’s saved Archie’s life. We are so proud of our baby boy and the cheeky person he is becoming. The staff we have encountered at the hospital have all been amazing, the care has been brilliant.”

Archie went home in November last year, where he met his brothers and sisters for the first time. He continues to be under the care of Sheffield Children’s, visiting for check-ups and reviews, and continues to grow stronger with each passing day.

To express their gratitude for the care he received, Archie’s family have devoted themselves to fundraising for The Children’s Hospital Charity, with the money set to be dedicated to helping the wards involved in his care.

Archie’s nanna Ally, family and friends have been instrumental in the fundraising, which has involved name cards, raffles and a charity fun day held at the Honest Lawyer in Grimsby for Archie's 1st birthday. Last week, the family presented a cheque for their donation, having raised a remarkable £9,384!

Archie’s dad Matthew adds: “We never thought for a moment that we would raise so much, but Sheffield Children’s deserve every penny. The support we have had has just been amazing and we cannot thank them enough.

"Thank you to all the amazing NHS staff for making it possible for us to bring our boy home!”

Thank you so much!