Our youngest fundraiser!
11 May Archive
Previously the Chelsea Children’s Hospital Charity, we re-launched as The Children’s Surgery Foundation in 2019 to reflect the national scope of our work today. The story below is from our days as the Chelsea Children’s Hospital Charity.
On 16th June brave little Mason Hicks, age 3, will be undertaking a swimming challenge (complete with armbands!) for Chelsea Children’s Hospital Charity.
Mum Megan explains why.
“My son Mason, now three, was born with a large lump (the size of an adult’s fist) on his lower stomach and groin – which turned out to be three hernias. He was taken by ambulance to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s Neonatal Unit where he was also diagnosed with two holes in the heart and a murmur.
“A week later he underwent his first operation to repair the ruptures in his stomach. The operation was successful and he was placed in Intensive Care and the next day moved to the children's ward. When he was a year old he underwent a second operation which thankfully was also a success.
“Mason still continues to attend Chelsea and Westminster to have ECG and heart scans and see his heart specialist. Thankfully one of the holes in his heart closed naturally but he was left with one hole and a murmur.
“From the cardio ward to the children's wards, to the Neonatal Unit, Intensive Care Unit and the surgical team, we are so grateful for the support we have received. We can't thank them enough for all they have done.
“So on the 16th of June Mason will be doing a sponsored swim which will be as many widths of the pool as he can do in 30 minutes (aided by his trusty armbands). I am so proud of him. He is such a kind and caring little boy and through all his appointments, procedures and operations he has never complained but has taken it all in his stride. He is so excited to be doing this and can't wait to get in the pool on the big day.
“All money raised will go towards your brilliant charity to buy equipment and to help the children's wards at Chelsea and Westminster so other children can receive the support and care that Mason received.
“Any donations would be gratefully received – even £1 will make all the difference.”
