Relief as Katy given all-clear (From Witney Gazette)

Relief as Katy given all-clear

6:46am Friday 11th January 2008 in Witney By The Page Turner

MOTHER Alice Gosling told of her relief after her three-year-old daughter, thought to be suffering from a heart murmur, was given the all-clear at the Oxford Children's Hospital.

Mrs Gosling, director of fundraising at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds, was told last month that Katy needed a check-up for possible heart problems. But paediatric cardiologist Nick Archer gave her the all-clear.

Mother-of-two Mrs Gosling, of Charlbury, said: "Dr Archer did an ultrasound examination and was very thorough and reassuring.

"There was no heart murmur or abnormality, which is obviously a great relief for me and my husband Tim.

"It was Katy's first visit to the hospital but it was a very positive experience - the place is so well equipped and clean. What she will remember most is the Tweenies toys and the pirate ship she played with in the indoor play area.

"The toys and the play area are a primary part of the surroundings so that children don't feel they are in a hospital for adults."

Katy was referred to the children's hospital after her GP listened to her heart during a pre-school check-up and thought it sounded irregular.

Mrs Gosling's visit came as the £30m facility, part of the West Wing at the John Radcliffe, celebrates its first anniversary, after treating 64,000 patients in its first 12 months.

So far, £13.7m has been raised towards a £15m fundraising target and Mrs Gosling is hopeful that the target will be reached by the end of the year.

Money raised could pay for priorities including laser technology costing £180,000, so that surgeons can carry out paediatric dermatology in the children's theatres, and £120,000 for portable ultrasound machines.

One of the major fundraising events of the year is the OX5 Run at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock on April 6. Singer and actor Jason Donovan, who started the race last year, is planning to take part.

Treatments provided by the hospital include cancer surgery and chemotherapy, cardio-respiratory diseases, neonatal surgery, craniofacial surgery, neurosurgery and trauma - broken arms and legs.

Ms Gosling said staff and patients at the hospital, and in the West Wing, would be celebrating the hospital's first anniversary on Friday, January 25.

She added: "We will be ordering some large cakes for staff and patients and taking them up to the wards.

"Sir William Stubbs, the chairman of Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, will also be saying a few words."

If readers are interested in taking part in the 2008 OX5 Run, they should call 01865 743444.