My Story

I'm taking on the St Thomas' Abseil 2025 in support of the dedicated Evelina London team and the compassionate, trailblazing care they offer to over 103,000 children each year.

All the money I raise will be in memory of my son, Alexander, who was looked after in the Evelina NICU in 2024.

When I was 28 weeks pregnant, doctors at our local hospital noticed a structural issue in Alexander's heart, but they did not know what it was. I went back to the hospital three days later, to discover that I had placental insufficiency and he was no longer getting the nutrients he needed, so we were rushed into theatre for an emergency C-section. After he was born, we were sent to the Evelina NICU, where their wonderful team of paediatric cardiologists diagnosed Alexander with Second-Degree Heart Block (a conductive disorder that meant his heart rate was too low) and Pulmonary and Tricuspid Atresia. Pulmonary and Tricuspid Atresia is a congenital heart defect where the pulmonary and tricuspid valves do not develop.

Because Alexander was so premature, he was not strong enough for the heart surgery he needed to save his life. He passed away at 4 days old.

During his time in the NICU, the team were incredible. They did everything to keep him comfortable while also supporting me and my husband as we went through the hardest time of our lives. They bought in a charity to take professional photos of Alexander for free, they allowed us a separate room so that our family could come in to meet him, and they provided us with an incredible memory box of everything from foot and hand prints to ECG stickers. 

We cannot begin to imagine the amount of money it would have cost them to keep him alive for those four days. Every donation goes to helping other babies with complex issues and supporting their parents through one of the most stressful experiences possible. Even a small donation goes a long way.

- Kiah and Max

Alexander James Luke Bell

19/03/24 - 23/03/24