Boy to lead charity walk

A five-year-old boy from Solihull will lead a sponsored walk to raise money for the hospital which looked after him when he was seriously ill.

In 2007, Oscar Abercrombie was fighting for his life in the neonatal unit at Heartlands Hospital. He had suffered organ failure and medical staff were also concerned he had possible brain damage.

Now, Oscar is well enough to lead a sponsored walk along the Birmingham canal to Solihull Hospital, which he hopes will raise money for the people that looked after him.

Oscar's mum, Lisa Abercrombie, appreciates the support her family received.

“The neonatal units provide 24 hour care for these special babies, using breathing machines, incubators, sophisticated monitoring equipment and an expert team of staff,” she said.

“It costs approximately £1,000 per day to run a cot for a sick baby and some are cared for by the Trust for only a few days, others require a stay of several months".

“We have chosen for our funds to go to the neonatal Newborns in Need appeal at Heartlands, who not only treated Oscar, but also cared for my elder daughter Holly's baby”

Oscar will lead his parents, hospital staff and members of the public along the Birmingham canal from Heartlands Hospital to Solihull Hospital. All are invited to take part and help raise money for the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Charity, which encompasses Heartlands, Good Hope, Solihull Hospital and Community Services, as well as Birmingham Chest Clinic.

Oscar’s Just Giving page is here.