Thank you so much for donating to Charlie's page. We are raising money for the Ronald Mcdonald house which we lived in the whole time Charlie was in hospital. It really is a totally incredible place, providing a place to sleep, cook, eat and wash for as long as we needed it. We would not have managed without it and feel that they need as much support as possible.

We first began fundraising for Charlie's first birthday and with amazing support we gave £2000 to the Ronald McDonald house. Now, I am putting my pride away and asking you once more to donate in honor of Charlie to help those families who will spend this Christmas with their precious baby in Bristol Childrens Hospital.

2 years ago on Christmas Eve I left Charlie's bedside in hospital, my mum took my place for a few special hours so that I could see jack on Christmas morning. Nic, jack and I all slept together that night, I was there for my oldest son to open his stocking but at 9am my Dad picked me up and drove me back to Bristol. After a tearful goodbye to my husband and son and then again to my parents in hospital, I began Christmas Day with Charlie. I asked my family to not phone me and try and be cheerful in order to give Jack some sense of happiness on christmas day. An incredibly difficult task. 

Last Christmas I ran away from anything festive as fast as I could, the pain of the day was too much. But this year, with the birth of Noah, I am ready to celebrate, however, my first port of call on Christmas Day will be to my sons grave. But for many others staying in the Ronald McDonald house they will be doing what I was doing 2 years ago, praying for the life of their child. 

For those who don't know, here is Charlie's story...

Charlie was born at home, happy and healthy, on the 12th August. He was a beautiful baby, full of joy and smiles. Jack (our 4 year old son) loved him and helped look after him brilliantly. When Charlie got to the age of 3 months I took him to the doctors concerned about his feeding. After a night from hell he ended up being put on a ventulator and taken by ambulance to Bristol Children's hospital where he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. He stayed in hosiptal, going between the cardiac ward and intensive care for 8 weeks. During these 8 weeks we stayed with him during all his waking hours. When he slept at night we went back to the Ronald Mcdonald house up the road and slept too. Charlie's condition never really improved and a matter of hours after we decided to pursue his only hope of survival, a heart transplant, Charlie died in my arms as I sang him to sleep. Our family has been changed forever and our lives will never be the same again. But we have stuck together and continue to survive. Please help us honor Charlie by contributing to our fundraising attempts, we are determind that something good will come from our tragedy. And those of you who have children, give them an extra goodnight kiss on christmas day.

We love you, our beautiful, beautiful baby boy xxx

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

With our love and thanks, Anna, Nic and Jack and Noah xxx