Calne Mother thanks hospital staff for saving newborn son (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Calne Mother thanks hospital staff for saving newborn son

9:00pm Friday 20th January 2012 in Calne

A mum is staging a fundraising day to thank the hospital that saved her newborn son’s life.

Tina Haley’s son Mason was in danger after the umbilical cord was caught around his neck seven times during birth.

Mrs Haley, of Compton Bassett, thought he was going to die after his ordeal at the specialist care baby unit at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital in 2008.

But he pulled through thanks to the unit’s staff and, although he suffers from a number of complications as a result of the cord being caught, he is now nearly four years old.

Mrs Haley said: “The help they gave him and me at that time was amazing.

“They were absolutely fantastic and if it wasn’t for them I’m sure Mason wouldn’t be here today.

“He was in the specialist care unit for a month before we could bring him home and they did everything they possibly could for him.”

Mason, who suffers from cerebral palsy, severe autism and a number of other difficulties, will be starting school later this year and Mrs Haley said she never thought that day would come.

Now, along with her sister Cindy Applegate, Mrs Mason is putting on a charity fun day at Woodlands Social Club to help raise funds for the hospital unit.

They have organised a children’s fundraising event in the afternoon, with face painting, games and treats. Then there is a ’60s-themed evening for adults, with live music.

They are also want to run a number of events throughout the year, including a quiz night, to boost funds.

She said: “Me and my sister were so grateful for everything they did that we wanted to raise some money for them.

“It is a great unit but the equipment is so expensive – an incubator costs about £10,000. I really hope lots of people come out and help us raise lots of money for them.”

The event takes place on February 11 with the children’s day from 1pm-4pm, and the ’60s evening being between 7pm and midnight.

Tickets are on sale now, on (01249) 813361, or email masonscharityfundraisers@ gmail.com for more details.