Croydon Health Charity appeal for additional ventilators to save young lives in Croydon
A mum of two from Coulsdon, whose young son received life-saving care at Croydon University Hospital is backing a charity’s appeal to fund additional specialist medical equipment for children when they are critically-ill.
Up to 70 children are admitted to Croydon University Hospital every year requiring mechanical ventilation to help them breathe for conditions such as sepsis and heart failure. The Trust has also seen an increase in the number of children admitted with respiratory problems in the past two years (2020-2022), including COVID-19, flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection (RSV). Croydon also has one of the highest rates for children needing hospital care for asthma of any borough in London.
To help NHS staff respond to this growing need, the Croydon Health Charity has launched the “Little Breaths” appeal to fund two more ventilators that can be rapidly transported to help children who are unable to breathe on their own get oxygen and air into the lungs as part of their care or onward treatment at a specialist hospital. 
Kelly Mole’s son Mason was left fighting for his life aged just 18 months after a virus attacked his body. Mason received life-saving ventilation at Croydon University Hospital before being transferred to another London NHS trust.
Kelly is urging the public to support Croydon Health Charity’s ‘Little Breaths’ appeal which aims to raise £46,000 by September and said:
“I lived every parent’s worst nightmare when Mason fell desperately ill and I am thankful to the compassionate clinical team at Croydon University Hospital who looked after him so well. Mason had no underlying health conditions and was playing in the garden just a few hours before being admitted to A&E. The ventilator helped to save his life as it took over when his weak body could no longer function. Thankfully, Mason is now a fit and healthy five-year-old boy who loves football and other sports.”
Hazel Daish, a consultant in paediatric medicine for three years at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, who cares for children like Mason added:
"Ventilators are essential machines which take over breathing when a child is too unwell to breathe for themselves. They are a lifeline when our patients need us the most and, like with Mason, can prevent every parent’s worst nightmare when their child is critically unwell. We are grateful for any support to help us achieve our fundraising target.”
Donations to the ‘Little Breaths’ appeal will help to fund two additional ventilators to provide life-saving treatment for the sickest children in Croydon, from very small babies to young people aged up to 16-year-olds.
Donations can be made via Just Giving or by contacting Laura Kennedy, Head of Fundraising, laura.kennedy8@nhs.net.
The Croydon Health Charity supports the care and wellbeing of patients and healthcare staff at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust by funding additional equipment, resources and training. Previous appeals have included raising £150,000 to fund improved family facilities, relaxations rooms, playspaces and playgrounds within a dedicated new children’s care unit at Croydon University Hospital.
Further information about the Croydon Health Charity and ‘Little Breaths’ can be found at www.croydonhealthcharity.org.uk/.