THE Minehead uncle of a six-week old baby girl is taking part in a series of fundraising events for Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Clinton Carter, 25, will take part in the Bristol 10k to raise money for the hospital caring for his niece, Imogen Jones, of Watchet.
Imogen, who was born on February 16, has been diagnosed with ventricular septal defect – more commonly known as a ‘hole in the heart’.
CLINTON Carter will be running the Bristol 10k in aid of the Wallace and Gromit Charity.
“My sister was over at my house with Imogen and I noticed she wasn’t breathing right,” said Clinton.
“It was all short breaths.”
The same day, Imogen’s parents, Ellouise Nicholas and Brandon Jones, took their daughter to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, from where she was moved to Bristol.
“The hole in her heart is about 1.5cms long, which, considering how small she is, is really quite something,” said Clinton.
VSD is usually caused by a defect in the heart in the early development of the foetus.
Some children do not require treatment, but as the hole in Imogen’s heart is so big she must undergo surgery.
Doctors were hoping to hold off the operation until her weight increased to 11lbs, but because her heart is pumping so fast and her breathing is so erratic she is burning off calories faster than she can put them on. Currently weighing in at 7lbs 2oz – the ideal weight at six weeks old is between 8lbs and 11lbs – Imogen will undergo surgery later this week.
Clinton said: “When I went to visit my niece in hospital it was seeing all the other children there with a similar condition that made me think I’ve got to do something.
“At Easter, the charity organised for the children to receive Easter eggs – they do so much for the children there.
“The nurses are superb, very comforting and reassuring.
“I had no idea about VSD really, and visiting the hospital has made me realise how common it is, so I just want to raise awareness.”
As well as running the Bristol 10k, Clinton, a father of six himself, hopes to organise a sponsored walk and a sponsored bungee jump.
Clinton and his friend, Mary Robson, also of Minehead, will be running in aid of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, which provides life-saving equipment, facilities and comforts for patients and families.
To donate to Clinton’s effort, visit justgiving.com/clinton-carter
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