Jackie Rutter from Lichfield will be running the Bupa Great Birmingham Run to say thanks to the hospital who saved her son’s life.
In early 2013, seven-week-old Joseph was being constantly sick and became dehydrated. Desperate for an answer and cure, Jackie took Joseph to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where, within 72 hours, he was diagnosed with Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) – a condition caused by abnormalities of the oesophagus which cause constant acid reflux.
“I knew that Birmingham Children’s Hospital would know,” says Jackie. “I took him to A&E and said I’m not leaving until he’s seen! They were incredible – without the outstanding support of the hospital, Joseph would be dead. They have changed our life.”
Through them, Jackie was also put in contact with Home-start, a family-support charity which helped Jackie cope with the day-to-day issues of having a child with GORD and also improve her confidence in managing these issues and enjoy being a mother.
Tube fed for eight months, Joseph also had to overcome meningitis and scarlet fever and is set for a life-changing operation later this year which will stop the acid reflux and vomiting for good.
Jackie is now raising funds for BCH to buy much-needed equipment for ward 9, the neo-natal surgical unit, where her son has been treated. She is running the 13.1 miles on October 19th dressed as Batman, as it is her son’s favourite cartoon character, and one of the first words her ever learned to say.
Join Jackie and the rest of team BCH raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital at www.bch.org.uk/greatbirminghamrun
To donate for Jackie’s cause, please go to: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JackieRutter or https://www.justgiving.com/Isabel-Jackie-Rutter