3 Peaks challenge in gratitude of George Fox's NHS care

George Fox, aged 22 months, was born with a rare condition called trachea oesophageal fistual, meaning his oesophagus ended in a pouch and wasn’t attached to his tummy, preventing him from swallowing and feeding.

The other end of his oesophagus was also attached to his trachea, a condition only one in 3,500 are born with.

After George’s birth he was blue lighted from Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital to Bristol Children's Hospital for life-saving surgery to reconnect his oesophagus to his tummy.

He remained in NICU for a few weeks afterwards and he and his parents spent his first Christmas in hospital.

Since then George, from Wells, has had lots of follow up care and operations as he continues to grow, including stretching the join in his oesophagus.

His mum Lucy said: "He still has eating and respiratory issues which are being closely monitored, even though he looks like a perfectly normal and happy little boy who is thriving with everything else, including attendance at his local nursery Rockers and Rollers one day a week.

"George has also had several trips, some planned and some via blue lights, and unplanned back to the Bristol Children’s Hospital."

George's dad, Adam, a lecturer at Richard Huish College, the toddler's grandfather, two uncles and a family friend, Chris, are attempting to complete the Three Peaks - climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, the highest points in Scotland, England and Wales - in one day next month (August).

The sponsorship they raise will go:

• Cots for Tots, which provided Adam and Lucy with free accommodation throughout George's stay in hospital in Bristol;
• The Grand Appeal, which supports patients and families at St Michael's Hospital and Bristol Children's Hospital;
• and TOFs charity, which offers support and education for the condition George has.

A total of £1,365 has already been pledged to the appeal.

You can donate HERE.