THE FAMILY of Beau Bingham has thanked the charity which helped their family by raising more than £8,000.

Beau Bingham was rushed by ambulance to hospital at less than a week old when a midwife became concerned at the colour of his skin during a routine check-up.

Stroud News and Journal:

Beau was rushed to hospital thanks to the quick actions of a Stroud midwife

When baby Beau and his mum Jenni arrived at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children doctors discovered that he had been born with transposition of the great arteries (TGA).

The condition meant that oxygen which should have been going into his heart went into his blood instead, leaving the newborn with difficulty breathing.

Stroud News and Journal:

Beau received excellent care, and his parents were supported by  independent charity Bristol Ronald McDonald House

He went into intensive care immediately with a personal nurse and was hooked up to numerous medicated drips.

Eventually, after a successful open heart surgery, he was able to get home in time to spend his first Christmas with his family.

During the month that Beau spent in hospital his parents lived in the Bristol Ronald McDonald House.

Stroud News and Journal:

Beau Bingham with his mum Jenni, and dad Jeremy

The charity provides free accommodation for families of critically ill children.

Mum Jenni said: “I would have slept on the floor of the ward where Beau was if I could, but it just wasn’t allowed.

“It was free to stay BRMH and a real relief to have somewhere to go at the end of the day to grab a couple of hours sleep in comfort,” she explained.

Stroud News and Journal:

Three year old Beau will always need regular check ups

Now aged three, Beau is thriving, but Jenni, Beau’s dad Jeremy, and his big sister Jasmine have sworn to continue to raise money for BRMH to ensure that other families in need can receive the same support.

“We’ve raised so much over the years but there will always be a need,” Jenni said.

“The rooms are always full, and there will always be a need for somewhere for parents to go for comfort,” she explained.

Stroud News and Journal:

Handsome Beau with mum Jenni Bingham

Jenni, who runs her business Beau’s Massage from her home in Rodborough, has even been named as an ambassador of the charity.

“It’s cathartic to tell my story and explain the vital work that the organisation does,” she said.

"And as it's the 15th anniversary of this amazing charity I hope that our story will inspire others to help other families - whether it's jumping out of a plane, a swimathon or what ever you fancy!"

To find out more about the work that the charity does and how you can help, visit rmhbristol.com/

Watch Jenni Bingham explain more about the vital work that the charity does: