A Sidcup dad is gearing up for a 300 mile bike ride to thank medics for saving his newborn daughter’s life after she found to have a rare, life-threatening condition.
Isabelle Golding was born in April last year but when she was taken home her parents, Tom and Rebecca, noticed she was sluggish and had saliva bubbling around her mouth.
The concerned couple were then shocked after an X-ray revealed she had trache-oesophageal fistula and oesophageal atresia, which are both rare birth defects that affect a baby's oesophagus and trachea and can be life-threatening without surgery.
Isabelle Golding. Credit: Rebecca Golding
Rebecca, 32, said: "It was horrific and every parent’s worst nightmare.
"We didn’t know it at the time, but Isabelle was becoming really weak because she hadn’t slept and milk and saliva was going straight to her lungs, which meant she was basically drowning.
"Doctors initially thought it could be sepsis or pneumonia, but once the X-ray confirmed the rare condition we were told she’d need major surgery by a specialist surgeon."
Mum Rebecca with Isabelle. Credit: Rebecca Golding
Isabelle was rushed to the paediatric intensive care unit at Evelina London Children’s Hospital in a specialist ambulance where she was put on a ventilator and had emergency surgery the following day.
Rebecca, who is now a full-time carer for Isabelle, said: "To look at her you would never know there is something wrong but it’s been a very bumpy road.
"She has been admitted to hospital 16 times in the last year, and has had to have further surgery to help her with feeding.
"She will need ongoing treatment and more surgery in the future so will remain an Evelina London patient until she is 18.
A family day out. Credit: Rebecca Golding
Previously, News Shopper reported how dad Tom was taking on the London Marathon, raising £6,800 for the children's hospital.
He's now doubling down on his commitment to help the children's hospital by cycling from from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to Evelina London over a four day stint.
"It goes without saying that our story could have had a very different ending if it wasn't for the unbelievable treatment and care that Isabelle continues to receive at Evelina London.
"Every single member of staff at that hospital is an angel in disguise.
“Our story is just one of many that happen every single day so every penny that is donated will help other parents and children get through some of their worst days.”
Tom will be joined on the ride by Steve Porter, Jamie and Adam Perfitt, Peter Stanley and James Breaker, as well as two support drivers, his dad Chris Golding and Kevin King between August 23 to August 26.
To help the team reach their £3,000 fundraising target, you can donate to their online fundraiser here.
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