​Friend fundraises for Baby Caleb who waits for heart

A loyal friend is aiming to raise £500 on behalf family whose seven-month-old son is currently waiting for a life-saving heart transplant at the Freeman Hospital.

Suzanne Bromley, 29 from Carrick, is organising a disco to raise vital funds for The Sick Children's Trust to thank the charity for supporting her friends Claire and Anthony O'Connell. The O'Connell's son, Caleb, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and is currently on the transplant waiting list for a heart. For seven months, Caleb's parents have been able to support him through his journey as they have been supported with free 'Home from Home' accommodation at The Sick Children's Trust's Scott House.

Scott House is located at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, just a two minute walk from the children's wards, and is one of ten 'Homes from Home' run by The Sick Children's Trust. Each house enables families with sick children to stay close to their child's hospital bedside for free to help aid their recovery. Suzanne, a care assistant, says:

“Without Scott House, many families would have to commute daily and wouldn't be able to be with their child in an instant if they were needed. We live 50 miles away in Carrick Garrison, so it simply would not be possible for Claire and Anthony to be at Caleb's side if something was to happen.

“The Sick Children's Trust is a fantastic charity which helps families with poorly children by providing a 'Home from Home' - a place for them to stay which is only a stone's throw away from their child's bedside. And that's why I've decided to set myself of goal of £500, as it will help the charity to continue the great work it does and help families stay together during these times."

On average, it cost the charity £28 per night to support a family in one of its 'Homes from Home' which provide families with a private bedroom, cooking facilities, communal living rooms and playrooms for a sick child's siblings.

Tickets for Suzanne's event on Friday 11 March are £5; the night will be full of entertainment including a disco, karaoke, raffle and a face painter. Scott House Manager Andrew Leadbitter says:

“We'd like to say a massive thank you to Suzanne for organising a disco for us. Caleb's such a brave little boy and his Mum and Dad are very proud of him and how strong he is. We've been supporting them at Scott House for seven months now and it's really helped Caleb having them here. We hope the evening is a huge success and look forward to seeing the photos."

For further information, please email suzanne_william@hotmail.co.uk.