One brave patient put aside his treatment to get all wrapped up and proudly launch Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s fourth annual summer fundraiser – The Big Bandage. Three-year-old Noah Dixey, from Leicestershire, who has a condition called Alagille Syndrome– a rare genetic disorder that affects his liver, heart, kidneys and skin – went bonkers in bandages to encourage others to join in on Friday 8 July and make a donation, just like him.
Following his diagnosis at six-months-old, Noah has had five operations to help ease his condition. He also has to visit the children’s hospital every six weeks and take 16 different types of medication per day.
The beauty of this year’s Big Bandage campaign is supporters can choose whichever ward, service or department their money goes to, meaning they’ll be helping to shape the future of Birmingham Children’s Hospital and make a real difference to the treatment, care and support it offers for generations to come.
Noah’s mum Gemma said: “Despite his condition, Noah’s a typical little boy who loves cars, trains, snails and slugs, so he really enjoyed popping on some bandages to help launch The Big Bandage and we’ll be getting involved on the day itself too.”
She added: “We love the children’s hospital and cannot thank the staff enough for their incredible care – Noah even sees his visits as a holiday! As a family, we’re delighted to be able to give something back and we know first-hand exactly how life-changing fundraising can be.”
The Big Bandage is one of the hospital charity’s largest annual events, which has raised more than £150,000 since it launched in 2013.
This year, The Big Bandage hopes to encourage celebrities, businesses, patients, staff, schools and community groups to dress up in dressings for Big Bandage day on Friday 8 July.
Miranda Williams, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are very delighted to have the support of Noah to launch our favourite fundraiser of the year and as he has proved, getting involved couldn’t be easier!
“Whether you wrap your arm, your leg, your boss or your teacher, please join us from now until Friday 8 July and make a big difference with your Big Bandage to the brave patients treated at our hospital.”
To get involved with this year’s Big Bandage, visit www.bch.org.uk/bigbandage or text BANDAGE to 70099 to donate £2. Plus, don’t forget to use the hashtag #BigBandage to share your support on social media.
