Family of Alfie, 4, take on 1000 mile challenge for Sheffield Children’s Hospital

The family of a brave four year old who had life saving surgery at Sheffield Children’s Hospital are doing a 1,000 mile challenge to raise money for the ward where he was treated.
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Little Alfie Ambler was treated at the hospital after a bump on his head refused to heal properly when he was just 18 months old and was diagnosed with a genetic blood condition.

The Ambler family are running, cycling and walking 1000 miles for The Children's Hospital Charity to help renovate ward 6.

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His mum Nicola, 38 said: “In January 2018 our youngest son, Alfie then age 18 months old was diagnosed with severe Haemophilia type A.

Alfie Ambler recovering from his treatment at Sheffield Children's HospitalAlfie Ambler recovering from his treatment at Sheffield Children's Hospital
Alfie Ambler recovering from his treatment at Sheffield Children's Hospital

"This is a rare genetic bleeding disorder and something we knew nothing about.”

From diagnosis things moved very quickly, Alfie had an emergency operation to drain a large haematoma on his forehead which required a stay on the Oncology and Haemotology ward also known as ward 6.

“Whilst Alfie was in hospital Martin and I felt like we were on a crash course on Haemophilia,” said Nicola.

Alfie Ambler with sister Holly 10 and brother William 12, who are takin gpart in the 1,000 mile NHS Challenge.Alfie Ambler with sister Holly 10 and brother William 12, who are takin gpart in the 1,000 mile NHS Challenge.
Alfie Ambler with sister Holly 10 and brother William 12, who are takin gpart in the 1,000 mile NHS Challenge.
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“Alfie then needed a synthetic factor VIII replacement. This is done intravenously. Soon after his first operation he had another operation to fit a port a cath fitted.

“His injections and any blood tests are done through this port. The days following his second operation he developed an inhibitor. This meant his body was fighting the synthetic factor VIII therefore it wasn’t working and so he began immune tolerance therapy. This meant exposing his body to high doses everyday.”

This meant daily trips to the Children’s Hospital until we were able to do the injections at home.

But even then he needed weekly blood tests which have gradually become less and less over time.

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"We do constantly have to look out for bruising, bumps and swollen joints and a raised temperature, “ said Nicola.

" Alfie’s condition is life long and he will continue to be cared for by the amazing doctors and nurses at Sheffield Children’s Hospital until he is an adult where his care will move to the Hallamshire.”

"We were so grateful to have the children’s Hospital on our doorstep – the consultants and nurses are so caring and lovely.”

If you want to support the family’s fundraiser, visit their JustGiving page.