'Bubble patients' like two-week-old baby born with 'no immune system' inspire firms to take step challenge
Eager Newcastle fundraisers have been inspired by the moving stories of children like Charlie Randle who was just a fortnight old when he needed the care of one of the city's almost unique hospital units.
The "Bubble Unit" - ward 3 at the Great North Children's Hospital - looks after children and young people who are extremely immuno-compromised, such as those awaiting or undergoing a bone marrow transplant. While on the unit, children - like Charlie - live in a sterile room with a "bubble" of clean air which protects them from infection.
Charlie was diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) at just two weeks of age. Parents Jen and Dom were stunned that he had the extremely rare condition - which affects one in 58,000 babies in the UK - and means the body cannot protect itself from infection.
Charlie's family relocated from Great Manchester to Newcastle after his diagnosis, and in November 2021 he had a bone marrow transplant. Mum Jen said: "It was tough being away from home, but we were so well looked after.
"Charlie is now a happy, healthy toddler and he’s thriving. We were lucky that Charlie was diagnosed with SCID early and able to get the best treatment at the Great North Children’s Hospital. Without research, the advancements in treatments just wouldn’t be possible. The Bubble Foundation is an incredible charity and we’ve been fundraising for the past couple of years to give something back."
Another patient at the unit was 35-year-old Phil Simpson, from Durham, who had a bone marrow transplant at the age of 15. He said; "“I was diagnosed with Chronic Granulomatous Disorder aged three, a rare immune disorder that, if untreated, is life-threatening and life-limiting.
"It left me prone to illnesses and I found it hard to shake off even the most minor infections. When I was 15, I had a bone marrow transplant in Newcastle, the only treatment for CGD. I went on to make a full recovery and now live medication-free.
“I’m so proud to support the charity that helped me live a healthy life. It’s great that we’re able to raise awareness of the charity’s work through events like Steptember and I hope as many people as possible get involved."
Earlier this year staff on the ward took on a 300,000 step challenge to fundraise for the Bubble Foundation charity which supports their work and their patient, and now the charity is encouraging local businesses to do the same during so-called "Steptember".
Tenants from office space Generator Studios are among those to get involved. Teams from businesses including Gardiner Richardson, Allego, Onyx Health and Epic Social, are aiming to walk around 10,000 steps a day, to raise funds and awareness for the charity.
Their goal is to reach a collective £10,000 total, which will be match funded by the building’s landlord. Anna Hodgson, a trustee for The Bubble Foundation, who works at brand communications agency Gardiner Richardson, said: “The Bubble Foundation supports children and their families while they’re going through the most difficult time.
"As a local business, it’s fantastic to be able to do our bit to support a charity on our doorstep. The charity means a lot to me, as it’s all for babies and young children, helping to make their stay in hospital as positive as possible; and giving them the best possible opportunities.
"It's great to see lots of the team at Generator Studios getting behind the challenge and it’s something I’d encourage others to do, as it’s giving everyone a real boost. I'm enjoying lots more walks with my dog, Milo, and weekly walks with other people in the building. As well as raising money and awareness for an incredible local charity, it’s an opportunity to get fit and do more as a team."
Zack Sorkin at Sorkin Brown, which manages Generator Studios, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting this fundraising challenge as it ties in nicely with our health and wellbeing initiative at Generator Studios from weekly hit classes to run / walk club.
“It’s fantastic to see our tenants coming together to raise money for The Bubble Foundation. Everyone has embraced the community spirit of Generator Studios and is taking the opportunity to get to know each other, work as a team and exercise on their lunch breaks.”
To support the Steptember Challenge by taking part or donating, visit here https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/septemberstepchallenge. For more information about the Bubble Foundation, check out the charity's website.