Big brother is watching you (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Big brother is watching you

12:03pm Thursday 31st January 2008 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

CARING ten-year-old Jordan Allen has recruited his classmates into a charity readathon for his little brother.

Younger brother Joseph, five, almost died after he was born with a heart defect. His family want to say thank you to Great Ormond Street Hospital for saving his life.

Jordan has rallied fellow school pupils to help the London hospital make it into the Guinness Book of Records with a charity readathon.

As a result, all the children in St Mary's Primary School in Purton will read aloud a verse from Peter Pan in Scarlet by Geraldine McCaughrean on March 7, joining thousands of youngsters nationwide.

Jordan spotted the appeal in a magazine and asked his mum Paula if could he help.

"I wanted to do it for Joe after his operations," said Jordan.

"Normally we only read in groups of four or five so it will be different to hear us all together."

Joseph, whom Paula describes as very active, said: "I am practising for the reading and it is really exciting."

Joseph, who lives in Purton, was born with transposition of his great heart arteries, which means they were connected the wrong way round.

As Joseph chased Jordan around the living room, mum Paula contemplated how lucky they are to have him.

"After three weeks, he stopped breathing and we had to go to London in an ambulance," said the 42-year-old, who is a part-time nurse.

"The hospital saved his life with surgery. I know he wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for the staff.

"We are supporting this charity appeal now because it is close to his heart."

The family still visits the hospital every six months so doctors can check Joseph's heart but he is not being held back.

"I feel eternally grateful that he is having a normal life now," said Paula, who is married to 40-year-old Paul.

"Occasionally he gets breathless, but he just needs to sit down and have a rest.

"I feel really thankful for all the hospital has done."

The Big Time Rhyme, which is part of Peter Pan Week, will take place on Friday, March 7, at 9.15am.

Peter Pan in Scarlet is the sequel to the original Peter Pan by JM Barrie. Peter Pan Week aims to raise more than £300,000 to help fund a new renal unit.

For more information about the event go to www.peterpanweek.co.uk