The parents of a baby who was rushed into surgery hours after birth now want to give back to an "incredible" hospital team.
Bethany Houghton and Ross Moore welcomed their baby daughter into the world on June 15 at Whiston hospital, but she was born with some complications. Despite initially seeming completely healthy, doctors soon discovered Thea Elizabeth Moore was born with Imperforate anus with Rectourethral fistula, a rare condition.
Fearing this could lead to further complications and health concerns, Thea was blue lighted to Alder Hey Children's Hospital for emergency surgery at just eight hours old before she was to stay for around a week.
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Mum Bethany, from West Derby, told the ECHO: "She was in the ICU in Whiston and we weren't allowed to see her properly, we didn't know what was going on.
"She was blue-lighted to Alder Hey and we followed in the car, she needed surgery and it wasn't as simple as what we thought it would be. We were told she'd be having surgery within 24 hours, she was put on the emergency list.
"She went for scans to make sure everything was okay and went into surgery to get a stoma put in. They can't make a hole until she's a bit older and grown a little so she has a stoma bag for now and is due for surgery in October."
Despite concerns over life-long issues, Thea is a health and happy baby who is "always laughing away." But her proud parents have thanked staff at Alder Hey for their care and support during what was a worrying time.
They have now launched a fundraiser to give back to the ward. A charity night will be held on September 23 at 7pm Alder Sports & Social Club (The Nalgo), Alder road, Liverpool, L12 2AY. Those wishing to donate to the fundraiser can do so here.
Bethany added: "Staff were unbelievable. We were there a week and because I'd just given birth myself and was new to certain things, they really helped and checked up on me and my partner. We knew while we were there we wanted to give something back to them.
"They wouldn't accept any money straight up so we decided to do something to raise money, and we saw that ward was seeking donations for equipment. It's just nice to be able to organise something and help.
"So many people have already supported, it's unbelievable. The after care for us all was incredible, they said we could call any time and have really helped."
Imperforate anus is seen in 1 in every 4,000-5,000 new-borns. Complications can include constipation, bowel control problems and bladder control problems.
Offering advice to other parents, Bethany said: "Stay calm, we panicked a bit but doctors are there to help. The nurse said to treat them like a normal baby and that's what we've done. Our baby is now laughing away, we've had her on days out.
"Even something like with the stoma bag, I've gotten used to that now and have even changed one on top of a mountain at the Lakes, it's not as hard as it initially seems."
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