Forest Hill mum runs London marathon to raise funds for hospital which saved her little champ ‘AJ’
A mother took part in Sunday’s London marathon to thank medics for her son’s life-saving treatment at Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
August-James Elson-Wharton (known as AJ) became unwell with a rash and a fever at the end of September 2021 and was taken to his local hospital.
Doctors suspected he had an infection but could not locate it so he was transferred to Evelina London Children’s Hospital in October for specialist treatment.
AJ spent 22 days at Evelina London, including 10 days in the paediatric intensive care unit. He was eventually diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis – also known as HLH – which is a rare immune disorder where the body overreacts to an infection.
It causes severe inflammation and damage to tissues such as the liver, spleen and bone marrow.
Mum Cherrelle Wharton, 36, of London Road, Forest Hill said: “Those 10 days were the hardest of our lives.
“AJ was hooked up to machines to help assist with his breathing and different tubes were placed inside him to give multiple medications – it was hard to watch but through it all, the doctors and nurses did their best to keep us reassured and keep us updated.
The mother-of-three said: “We realised after AJ came out of hospital that he could have died and the staff had really looked after us.
“I would like to raise as much money as possible to say thank you and to show my appreciation for everything they did for AJ and our family, and to ensure they can continue to help other families.”
Cherrelle added: “I completed the marathon in 6:38:43. It was hard, especially miles 18-22, but totally worth it, as the atmosphere on the day is incredible with everyone rallying each other on and the bystanders giving high fives and sweets for encouragement.”
Dr Jenny Handforth, a consultant in paediatric infectious diseases and immunology, was one of the many staff who helped care for AJ. She said: “HLH can be an extremely challenging condition to diagnose and treat. We are extremely pleased and proud that AJ has done so well.
“We are so grateful to his mum, Cherrelle, for taking on the London Marathon to support Evelina London, so we can be there for even more children in the future.”
To help her reach her fundraising target, please visit: https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/cherrelle-wharton-c3dd3
Pictured top: Cherrelle contemplates a job well done after completing the London Marathon on Sunday (Pictures: Cherrelle Wharton)
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