Medical staff praised after Larne baby’s surgery

The mother of a baby boy who was born with the birth defect, craniosynostosis, has thanked the doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital after her son’s recent surgery.
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Alexander Fernandes was born on September 1. In the weeks following his birth he was diagnosed with the condition which sees the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early.

In November the Times reported how Alexander’s family had started a campaign in a bid to raise funds for his corrective surgery.

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Speaking at the time, his mum Marina Fulton, said: “I wish to thank everyone who has supported us. The Larne community has really helped us. Even during these tough times, it’s fantastic to see this community spirit- it’s lovely.”

Alexander had surgery on January 6. Pic supplied by Marina Fulton.Alexander had surgery on January 6. Pic supplied by Marina Fulton.
Alexander had surgery on January 6. Pic supplied by Marina Fulton.

For more on the fundraising drive, read here

The community has rallied round the family over recent months with over £20,500 being donated to fund the treatment.

Brave Alexander had his procedure on January 6 in London and his family returned home to east Antrim on Friday (January 8).

Providing an update to this newspaper, Marina said: “We can’t thank the staff at Great Ormond Street enough for keeping Alexander safe and doing everything they could to make sure he got his surgery at the right time.

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“They are an incredible team and are under extreme pressure due to Covid and their resilience despite it all is commendable from the cleaners to the surgeons themselves.

“I saw the nurses who treated our son were so tired, but it didn’t stop them from making sure Alexander got anything less than exceptional care.

“He has a follow-up appointment in two weeks’ time via video review and another in six months in London. He gets his first helmet on January 22 and he shouldn’t need any other treatments apart from the three or four helmets he needs over a period of 18 months/two years.”

Thanking the local community for supporting her family, Marina added: “Larne residents have shown so much support and generosity. It’s a beautiful thing to see such community spirit and everyone stand together to make this possible in times that are so dire.

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“It takes a village to raise a child and there’s never been a statement so true. Alexander will grow up knowing how loved he is and how many wanted him to have this chance. I don’t really have the words to express our gratitude. A thank you will never feel enough for what everyone has done for baby Alexander and our family.”

Marina has stated that they will continue to run the online fundraising page. Any money donated will go to charities to support other people impacted by craniosynostosis.

She added: “The Just Giving page doesn’t close until after six months of opening, so we will continue to raise for charity now on it.”

To make a donation, click here

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