A Welshpool couple and their friends have launched a series of fundraising events, culminating in the London Marathon on October 2, to raise money to thank a hospital for life-saving surgery on their daughter.
Katy and Neil Godsell’s dream came true on October 16 last year when Eleri Faith Godsell was born. But within 24 hours, tiny Eleri was being rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) where she had surgery on a bowel complication three days later.
Eleri was diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease, a very rare condition which stops part of her bowel functioning properly. She spent three weeks in hospital and now has a temporary stoma until her bowel is reconnected in the future.
“We can honestly say that it was the scariest time in our lives and we are so grateful to the teams of experts at BCH that continue to treat, care for and support Eleri and ourselves,” said proud mum Katy.
“We have launched the fundraising appeal because we want to thank the hospital and ensure that they can continue to provide the very best care to many children and families now and in the future.
“Both the nursing teams and her surgical team at BCH were fantastic and we couldn’t speak highly enough of the care and support she received. Nurses, doctors and consultants at the BCH always seem to go the extra mile for us as a family.
“Eleri is still under the expert care of BCH where we attend regular appointments with her stoma nurses and surgical teams to monitor her progress and plan for her future surgery. She’s a very happy, active and giggly little girl.”
To support the £5,000 fundraising appeal, a Spinathon in being held at the Flash Leisure Centre, Welshpool on Sunday, July 24 from 9am to 1pm. Families, friends and teams pay £40 to take part, supported by fitness instructors.
To enter, message the Team Eleri runs for Birmingham Children’s Hospital or contact Ffion’s Fitness & Personal Training pages on Facebook.
“Our fundraising target is £5,000 but, of course, we would like to smash this to provide as much help and support as possible to children who need the help of Birmingham Children’s Hospital now and in the future,” said Neil.
Those interested can follow the team’s progress and find out about any new and exciting events planned this year on Facebook. Donations can be made on a JustGiving page, collection tins will be available at Figure and Face and Coco Coffee House in Welshpool or sponsorship forms are available from Katy on Tel: 07739409311.
The team for the London Marathon 2022 comprises Neil, Ffion Evans, Phil and Melissa Turnbull from Forden and supporting photographer Phil Blagg.
