Family launch fundraiser for Sheffield Children's Hospital in memory of eight-month-old son

Louie Naylor was born 15 weeks premature at Jessops Hospital, weighing just 1lb 14oz, on November 30, 2019 and was originally given just hours to live.

Described as a ‘fighter all the way through’, he was later transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital where he underwent seven operations and had multiple bleeds on the brain, breathing issues and bowel problems – but he sadly passed away on August 22 this year.

The care Louie, his mum Symone, and dad Will, received throughout their time at Sheffield Children’s was so sensitive and compassionate, the family from Scunthorpe wanted to thank the staff for their support.

Louie’s grandfather Lee Hextall, from Sheffield, has set up an online fundraising page to raise money for the Children’s Hospital Charities but has also organised a fundraising fishing match in which donations and sponsor money will go directly to the nurses who treated the youngster.

Will Naylor, who had Louie baptised on Christmas Eve in memory of his Grandma Joycee, said: "It got to the point where they’d done everything they possibly could to get his bowels working but he wasn’t tolerating food.

"We made the decision to take his TPN (total parenteral nutrition) away as he was TPN dependant and that came with complications. He died 13 hours after that. We knew the operation on his brain wouldn’t last forever and the complications that he had before were coming back so we wanted him to pass away peacefully.”

He added: “We’d just like to make a special mention to all the nurses on Ward 1 who treated him at the children’s hospital. They helped us out and we had a few MDT meetings (to make decisions regarding Louie's treatment) where some of the nurses would come in and fight Louie’s corner and come in for support.

"Also, the nurses at Jessops too – everyone that just treated Louie we just want to give a massive thank you.”

The Ward 1 team at Sheffield Children’s Hospital said: "It has been an absolute pleasure to care for Louie and his family on Ward 1. Despite the tough decisions his parents have had to make they have remained hopeful and positive throughout their time with us.

“Louie always astonished us with his resilience as he overcame the medical challenges he faced and. He was a happy baby who loved nothing more than to have lots of cuddles from his Mummy and Daddy! He will be missed by all the nurses and medical staff that cared for him and his family.”

A raffle is also being held and will be drawn at the fishing match at Lodge Farm Fisheries, in Doncaster, on September 12.

Sheffield’s BRG Recycling Machinery, the company where Louie’s grandfather works, has kindly donated prize money for the day.

To donate online visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/littlelouieslifefishingmatch. Raffle tickets can be bought via paypal to lee.hextall72@btinternet.com.

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