‘The people who work for the NHS are angels’
DAD OF GIRL WHO WAS TREATED BY HOSPITAL STAFF PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE SERVICE
The devoted dad of a Sunderland girl whose life was saved by the work of the NHS says he and his family will forever be indebted to the organisation.
Luna Petrucci was only days short of her second birthday in 2015 when she had to undergo life-saving treatment on two holes in her heart at the Children’s Heart Unit (CHUF), at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.
Thankfully, the procedure was a success and Luna, now five, is living a life as normal as any other child.
Her parents Sergio and Emma have since raised well over £200,000 for Chuf in recognition of the work it did to save Luna.
Sergio today backed our NHS70 campaign, which is shining a light on people whose lives have been saved thanks to the work of medics.
“When Luna was first ill we were in a total dark tunnel at the time about what the Chuf team did before they explained,” said Sergio, of Ashbrooke, who is also dad to Enzo.
“We kind of took the work of the NHS for granted and then you are putting your trust in these experts’ hands to save your child’s life.
“What they do is day-today routine, but it is amazing to people like us.”
Through their annual Red Sky Ball and White Party fund-raisers, the family have helped generate almost £230,000 for the NHS.
“We’ve been able to buy machines that cost between £50,000 and £60,000 and some which cost as little as £2,500,” added Sergio.
“The fact that we have raised close to £230,000 since 2016 is phenomenal but I couldn’t have done it without the help of people across Sunderland.
“The people who work for the service are angels in my opinion.”
On July 5, the National Health Service will celebrate 70 years of pioneering medical advances and world-class treatments – raising a toast to its dedicated employees and supporters.
But what is the one thing you would like to say about your local NHS? We want to hear your stories of why you love the NHS. Share your stories by writing to david.allison@jpress.co.uk.