Rebecca running the relay in honour of children with heart conditions and Children’s Hospital
A young patient with be raising the baton for children with heart conditions and her care at Birmingham Children’s Hospital in the Queen’s Baton Relay tomorrow (Tuesday 19 July).
Rebecca Hampson will be an official Baton bearer on one of the legs of the Commonwealth Games showpiece event in Newport, near Telford. She was nominated for volunteering her time to help support young people with heart conditions; something she can speak about from experience.
The twelve-year-old, from Wolverhampton, was born with a rare congenital heart condition known as Tetralogy of Falot. A result of four different defects, a hole in her heart, small lung arteries taking less blood to the lungs, thickening of the right heart muscles, and the aorta taking blood from both the right and left hearts, the combination of which causes oxygen-poor blood to flow out to the body.
At seven months old, Rebecca had complex heart surgery carried out by the expert team at the Children’s Hospital to put patches in to cover the hole and to enlarge the artery. This condition requires regular checks and further surgery, so the Cardiology Team continue to care for her.
Mum, Jessica said: “We received an email saying that Rebecca had been nominated as a Baton bearer as she is an ambassador of Young at Heart, a charity which supports cardiac patients on Wards 11 and 12 at the hospital, which was a lovely surprise, Rebecca is really excited. She is holding the baton for all children who have a heart condition.”
As well as coming into the hospital for checks every nine months, Rebecca spends time on the wards, giving out care packages and helping other patients as best she can. Her mum is particularly thankful to the staff for her care.
Jessica said: “Rebecca is no stranger to the staff as, before the COVID-19 pandemic, she was regularly going into the wards and helping patients as best she could.
“The care has been outstanding and the staff are amazing. They are like a family to us, not only have they looked after Rebecca they have looked after us too.
“We would never be able to say thank you enough, they are all our heroes. We always get outstanding care, and the staff make Rebecca feel really calm, she is never nervous, in fact, she gets quite excited to go into hospital.”
Rebecca is doing well, enjoying swimming and football, as the doctors are keen for her to exercise regularly. Now she is excited in the build-up to her big moment.
Rebecca said: “I’m very excited for the Baton Relay and looking forward to holding the baton. I like the staff at the hospital and want to give them a big thank you for being really kind and looking after me.”
Jessica added: “It will be quite emotional on the day, and all of it wouldn’t have been possible without Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”
Joining Rebecca in becoming baton-bearers were four of our Children’s Hospital charity supporters. Emma Hill, Lucy Chatting and Neil Taylor have all raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for our charity. They have a close connection to our hospital, with each having had a child who has been treated at our hospital. They were joined by Beth Dennis, who as well as being a student nurse at our hospital, is a charity volunteer and has given up her precious time to volunteer at our charity events. Emma, Lucy and Beth took on their relays in Lichfield, whilst Neil headed to Bridgnorth for his.