A mum from North Shields is preparing to take on the Great North Run to raise funds for The Sick Children’s Trust, a charity that supported her when her son was seriously ill in the hospital.
Sacha Boyd will join thousands of runners in Newcastle on September 8, tackling the iconic 13.1-mile course to the finish line by the coast, all in support of The Sick Children’s Trust.
Sacha’s six-week-old son, Luca, initially showed cold-like symptoms. When these worsened, causing him to vomit after feeding, she took him to the doctor. After a brief examination, they were sent home with instructions to monitor him. However, Sacha and her partner, Dan, remained concerned and decided to take Luca to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital.
Luca’s condition worsened, and since he had not kept any feeds down for an extended period, the medical team decided to insert a feeding tube. His condition then rapidly deteriorated, with a high heart rate and low oxygen levels. Luca was intubated and prepared for transfer to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle for specialised care.
Sacha accompanied Luca in the ambulance, while Dan followed them. Upon arrival at the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), the nurses explained that Luca had secretions in his lungs and airways caused by bronchiolitis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). He spent the next five days heavily sedated, undergoing regular suctioning of the secretions and physiotherapy. After being extubated, Luca stayed in the hospital for another day and a half before finally returning home.
During their time in Newcastle, Sacha and Dan were supported by The Sick Children’s Trust and its ‘Home from Home,’ Crawford House. Located just two minutes from the hospital, Crawford House ensured they could always be by Luca’s side. Now, to express her gratitude to the charity, Sacha is raising funds by taking on the Great North Run. She said:
“Waiting for Luca to be intubated and seeing him covered in wires and surrounded by machines as we made our way to the RVI, was one of the most terrifying moments of my life.
“For the longest time, we didn’t know what was happening or why Luca was so ill. We hadn’t even thought about where we would stay in Newcastle, and I was fully prepared to sleep in a chair next to him. Thankfully, the nurses had already arranged for us to stay at Crawford House.
“It was such a massive weight off our shoulders. The ‘Home from Home’ provided us with a space to rest, shower, and prepare a quick meal, all while being just a short walk away from Luca. Without it, I would have exhausted myself at the hospital, and Dan would have had to commute daily, which would have been extremely tiring and dangerous, with his mind being on Luca.
“Luca is doing great now. He has a bit of a chronic wheeze but has been seen by respiratory specialists and has effectively been given the all-clear. He’s a very happy, healthy, and chunky little boy!
“Dan and I both said we wanted to do something to support The Sick Children’s Trust. Having lived in Newcastle for 12 years now, I’ve always wanted to do the Great North Run. I’ve never been a runner, but I love a challenge, so right now, I’m feeling both nervous and excited for the run.”
More information about Sacha’s fundraising can be found on her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sacha-boyd-1721592345985.
