Father thanks doctors for saving one-year-old son’s life

A father has celebrated his son’s first birthday by praising a children’s hospital for saving the little boy’s life.

Ronnie Sykes, from Forest Hill, became seriously ill with a congenital heart defect called Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome when he was three weeks old.

The condition causes the heart to beat abnormally fast for periods of time and, if left untreated, can be fatal.

Ronnie received life-saving treatment at his local hospital guided by Evelina London after his parents were warned he was close to death.

He was then transferred to the intensive care unit at Evelina London in Westminster Bridge Road, Waterloo.

Ronnie’s dad, Graham Sykes, 36, said: “Ronnie was born on April Fools’ Day last year and as far as we could tell as new parents he seemed like a normal healthy newborn baby.

“But a few weeks after his birth my wife and I realised something wasn’t quite right.

“He didn’t seem like himself and he looked like he was in pain.

“His condition got worse and he started struggling to breathe.

“After contacting 111 we were advised to take him to A&E.

“When we arrived at our local hospital what transpired was one of the most harrowing experiences of our lives.

“His heart rate was over 280 beats per minute and we were told that if it stayed that high his body would start shutting down.”

Doctors contacted the cardiology team at Evelina London for advice.

After hours of trying to stabilise his heart rate the team reached a point where they felt he could be transferred to the Evelina London paediatric intensive care unit for specialist care.

He was transferred by Evelina London’s South Thames Retrieval Service via a specially-designed intensive care ambulance.

Graham said: “Thankfully he stabilised but he was still extremely sick when we arrived at Evelina London.

“The atmosphere in the intensive care unit was very calm and ordered and the consultant quickly diagnosed Ronnie with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome.

“He was given life-saving treatment to help his heart function normally and his condition began to steadily improve.

“He was cared for around the clock for the following few days before being moved to a general ward.

“I really believe that if it wasn’t for the amazing care at Evelina London he wouldn’t be here now.”

Ronnie spent six nights at Evelina London before being transferred home to recover.

He received a heart treatment called atenolol for a year, which is given orally in a syringe.

Ronnie continues to receive care at Evelina London and has regular check-ups with the cardiology team.

He is now a healthy toddler and celebrated his first birthday at the beginning of April.

Graham said: “Ronnie turning one felt really special after he was so ill. We’re planning a big celebration in May with our friends and family.”

Graham is taking part in the London Marathon in October to raise funds for Evelina London Children’s Charity.

You can donate to Graham’s fundraiser by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/graham-sykes-2022

Pictured top: Graham, Samantha and Ronnie Sykes