On 28th March 2018, my best friend Josh and his amazing wife Josie welcomed to the world Archie Pankhurst. He was born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome. He went through more in his first few weeks than most have to go through in their entire life. I remember visiting him in Evelina a week after he was born and holding him thinking what a little fighter he is.
Unfortunately, after my visit he took a turn for the worse and was touch and go for a while, but I knew from the love and dedication that Josh and Josie were showing as well as the amazing care he was receiving from ECHO/Evelina that he would pull through. When I visited him a couple of weeks later, he was like a different child, the transformation was incredible. The round the clock care Archie had was simply outstanding. 5 weeks later, he was able to go home but the ongoing care meant that he was always in safe hands.
Following another surgery, he has grown into an incredible, happy, bouncy young boy. You would never be able to tell what he had to go through in those early stages.
We celebrated his 1st birthday in the knowledge that had it not been for ECHO/Evelina, the occasion may not have happened. And just recently, we were able to join Archie on his first ever summer holiday!
I’ve know Josh and Josie for years and we have shared many life experiences together. The strength and courage they have shown is only surpassed by Archie himself.
Running for ECHO and raising much needed funds for the ongoing amazing work they carry out knowing that through their care, others will be able to have an “Archie” in their lives will be a privilege.
Ben Williams
On 26th April 2020, Ben will run for ECHO at the iconic London Marathon, in support of Archie and team ECHO!
You can donate to Ben’s marathon fundraiser at: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenWilliams77