A terrifying moment
In October 2014, our son Oscar entered the world, instantly adored by his sisters, 12-year-old Kayleigh and two-year-old Ava. Everything seemed perfect until he was just eight days old and suddenly stopped taking his milk. The next day, Oscar became seriously unwell. When the midwife arrived at our home, she had to perform CPR as his heart had stopped. It was a terrifying moment we’ll never forget.
An ambulance rushed Oscar to our local hospital, where an x-ray revealed an enlarged heart. He was immediately transferred to the Children’s Heart Unit at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle for urgent care. While waiting in a small family room, we saw a news story about Ant and Dec opening Scott House, a ‘Home from Home’ run by The Sick Children’s Trust for families with seriously ill children. Little did we know, Scott House would soon become our lifeline.
After an x-ray and further tests, we learned that Oscar had two serious heart conditions: coarctation of the aorta, which restricted blood flow, and both atrial and ventricular septal defects – holes in his heart’s walls. He was gravely ill and too weak for immediate surgery. Placed on a ventilator, the goal was to stabilise him for his first operation.
Keeping our family together
On the day Scott House officially opened, we were given a key. Staying just minutes from Oscar’s bedside was an incredible relief. It gave us a space to process the unfolding crisis and stay close to our baby while keeping our family together.
At just 11 days old, Oscar underwent his first surgery to repair the coarctation and relieve pressure on his heart. While the operation was a success, it was only the first step. Oscar needed months of recovery to gain strength for the next operation.
We spent two months living at Scott House as Oscar recovered, supported every step of the way. The staff were amazing, especially with Ava, who has additional needs. Their kindness made such a difference during this overwhelming time.
Eventually, Oscar reached his goal weight and was able to come home, though still reliant on tube feeding. At six months, he returned to The Freeman for his second major heart surgery to repair the holes in his heart. Once again, Scott House provided a haven where we could stay close to Oscar and support each other as a family. Without it, we’d have been forced to split between the hospital and home.
Working hand-in-hand with Chuf
The Sick Children’s Trust didn’t just give us a place to stay—they kept our family together and supported us during our darkest moments. They worked hand-in-hand with Chuf, who funded a playroom on Ward 23. This space became a sanctuary, away from the beeping monitors and wires, where we could play, relax, and even host friends who met Oscar for the first time in a calm, welcoming environment.
The Clown Doctors were another source of joy during this difficult time. They brought songs, bubbles, and balloon animals, turning daunting hospital days into happy memories for Ava, who found the experience overwhelming. They helped shield her from the stress around her, creating positive moments with her baby brother.
As Oscar grew stronger, we found ways to give back to Chuf, taking part in fundraising events like the Chuf Toddle, a sponsored fun walk. These events brought families together to share their stories and celebrate the community created through shared experiences.
We were also invited to a CHUF Christmas party the year after Oscar’s surgery. Seeing fellow “heart warriors” in a festive, non-hospital setting was an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter and gratitude.
This year, both Scott House and Oscar celebrated their 10th birthdays. We are thrilled to say that Oscar is doing great. He’s progressed from six-monthly check-ups to yearly and now every two years. Although he gets a little out of breath playing sports, his resilience shines through, and he’s determined to enjoy life to the fullest.
For his birthday, we visited South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, where he met a red panda – his favourite animal – and hosted a sleepover with his friends. It’s amazing to see him thriving after such a difficult start.
We’ll continue to return for check-ups as things may change as he grows, but for now, we are grateful for every moment and for the incredible support of The Sick Children’s Trust and CHUF, who made such a difference in our journey.
Alice and Peter Sutton
Oscar’s mum and dad
To read more about the 10th birthday of Scott House, please click here.
