KEYNSHAM couple Emma and George Rockell welcomed their first child Alannah into the world on March 26.
But what should have been a joyous event soon became an anxious time for the new parents.
Alannah was born five weeks prematurely by emergency C section weighing just 4lbs and was immediately placed in intensive care.
Hours later she was diagnosed with OA-TOF and VACTERL associations, a rare and life-threatening condition.
Alannah had been born with her food pipe disconnected from her stomach and attached to her windpipe, meaning she was unable to swallow. This condition affects one in 3,500 babies and can have lifelong implications.
After diagnosis, she was taken from the Royal United Hospital, Bath, to the University of Wales in Cardiff, where at just two days old she underwent complex, lifesaving surgery.
After being sedated, she was put on a ventilator for five days then tube-fed for five weeks.
On May 3, Emma and George were relieved and elated to finally take their baby daughter home.
During this difficult time, the couple received advice and help from TOFS, a charity that offers lifelong support to those born with OA/TOF (Oesophageal Atresia & Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula). TOFS receives no support from the Government and relies on donations.
To show his family’s appreciation, George decided to cycle 450 miles from Keynsham to Donegal to raise money for TOFS and raise awareness of the condition.
Emma said: “George had witnessed Alannah’s journey and what I had to go through during the birth and really wanted to do his bit to give back.”
On September 11, George was waved off by family and friends, including players from Saltford Lawn Tennis Club, of which George is a member.
At the same time, his wife and daughter started their 450-mile drive to Emma’s home town in Milford, Co. Donegal, where Alannah would meet her grandad Frank for the first time.
George’s 10-day journey took him from Keynsham along the English/Welsh border to Holyhead and then via Dublin, Mullingar and Omagh, reaching Milford on September 20.
Although Alannah is now thriving, she will need regular monitoring during the first years of her life. She is taking milk well but the next challenge will be the introduction of solids.
George is covering all his travelling, food and accommodation costs, so every penny raised of the £7,000 he has raised so far goes directly to the charity. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/cycle4tofs.
For more information about TOFS, visit tofs.org.uk
Pictured, Emma and George Rockell with baby Alannah
Keynsham family say thanks with epic cycle ride
