Worthing mum plans fundraising effort to thank hospitals for life-saving support

Ayesha Rowland wants to do all she can to thank the NHS staff who have helped her and little Mikey, who was born with multicystic dysplastic kidney and is partially sighted.

She is planning a fundraising walk for Bluefin Ward at Worthing Hospital in May and will follow up by fundraising for Southlands Hospital in Shoreham next year.

Ayesha said: “The children’s ward at Worthing Hospital has been a lifesaver for myself and my family this year and will continue to be while my child is under their care.

“As brand-new parents it was scary having a baby anyway but to have a baby with multiple conditions has made things even harder.

“We are attending a lot of different hospitals, so are doing a hospital a year. This year is dedicated to Worthing and next year we will be raising money for Southlands, and so on.”

Mikey’s kidney condition, which means the right one is not functioning at all, was identified in the womb, at the 20-week scan. Since he was born, it has been discovered he also has problems with his eyes but the full effects are not yet known.

Ayesha explained: “After he was born, we had a lot of ultrasounds for his kidney and as he was getting bigger and opening his eyes more, we noticed his right eye looked smaller than his left and didn’t looked as developed.

“We were referred to Southlands’ eye clinic, who then referred us to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where it was confirmed there is scarring behind his right eye that cannot be fixed, so he is partially sighted. There is also scarring on his left eye but not as much and they won’t know how much he can see until he a bit older.”

Regular appointments at Worthing Hospital will continue to monitor Mikey’s good kidney and Ayesha said she had been given a lot of support by staff on Bluefin Ward.

“We were admitted into the Bluefin Ward when Mikey started to lose weight and it really threw me,” she said.

“I’m a very anxious person so felt emotional about being there but the nurses helped so much, even fed Mikey when it was all too much for me.

“And when the doctors came round the next day, they were very understanding and accommodating to my and Mikey’s needs. I cannot thank them enough for their care.

“I think most families in Worthing have probably experienced some form of care in the Bluefin Ward and they fly under the radar a lot.

“The NHS are so underfunded and they have worked so hard throughout a pandemic, they’re exhausted but we are still always met with kindness and a reassuring smile.

“It isn’t much but I want to do all I can to thank the people who are making my son’s life a little bit better.”

Ayesha is planning a 13-mile walk from Brighton Pier to Worthing on May 1, when Mikey will have just turned eight months, and hopes to raise £1,000 for Bluefin Ward, to be used for whatever is needed. Visit uk.gofundme.com/f/worthing-hospital-bluefin-ward to make a donation.

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