How we supported life-changing care for two brave brothers

With thanks to our dedicated supporters, we can help to make Evelina London's services super child-friendly for families like Joanna and Luke Barford’s.

With two of their three boys needing specialist treatment, Joanna and Luke have had their lives turned upside down, twice. But thanks to the incredible team at Evelina London, the family have experienced comfort, compassion, and the best possible care at the most worrying times. This year, they took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon to say thank you.

Joanna and Luke Barford first experienced Evelina London’s amazing care when their son George was just four weeks old. When he developed a temperature and his mum was unable to wake him, George was rushed to their local hospital and treated for an infection of the urinary tract. Following tests, George was diagnosed with a condition called vesicoureteral reflux, which causes some of his urine to flow backwards from the bladder to the kidneys and can lead to infections.

George was quickly referred to Evelina London, under the expert care of consultant paediatric urologist, Dr Mishra. In March 2022, when George was 18 months old, he had endoscopic surgery to stop urine from moving backwards.

“Knowing that George was having surgery was horrendous, but we also knew he was in the best possible hands... Dr Mishra was incredible. He’s great with children, and with us too. It’s been two years since George’s operation, and he’s lived a healthy, happy life ever since!”

Joanna Barford

Evelina London opened its new Children’s Day Surgery Unit in July 2023, which provides vital surgery for children and young people who don’t need to stay overnight. With support from Evelina London Children’s Charity, the unit has a child-friendly design, helping to distract patients from anxious feelings and support the best possible delivery of care.

“As George’s doctor, it’s my job to ensure he and his parents felt safe, calm and cared for. With support from Evelina London Children’s Charity, my job is made easier. Charity funding means the whole hospital is warm and welcoming… This all helps to put patients and their families at ease,” said Mr Pankaj Mishra, Consultant Paediatric Urologist.

When their third son Freddie was born, Joanna and Luke didn’t expect to be back at Evelina London. Freddie was born at his local hospital at 36 weeks and his scans were all clear. But he wouldn’t feed and, worryingly, was losing weight. He was found to have a heart murmur and a scan showed that Freddie had a leaking heart valve, which was causing his blood to go up into his left atrium. He needed specialist care at Evelina London.

“It was a relief to be under Evelina London’s care again... our consultant Dr Bell is the best at what he does, and he got Freddie’s condition under control. The cardiac nurses have also been brilliant."

Joanna Barford

Freddie is now a happy one-year-old and a regular visitor to Evelina London for scans. He takes medication to help manage his condition but will eventually need to have an operation to repair his heart valve.

Having received outstanding care, running the London Landmarks Half Marathon is Joanna and Luke’s way of giving back to the hospital that has helped their little boys to get better and reunite with their big brother Zachary. Together the three boys are inseparable.

Thanks to our dedicated supporters like Joanna and Luke, we help to make Evelina London services super child-friendly, with plenty of toys, exciting animal-themed artwork, and creative ways to distract children while they’re having procedures.

For Joanna and Luke, the most challenging times of their lives have been made that bit easier thanks to the compassionate care and support they have received at Evelina London.

“At some of the most worrying times, it is the most comforting place. The team are fantastic with children – sometimes you don’t even feel like you’re at hospital,” said Joanna.

Feeling inspired by Joanna and Luke’s story? Here’s how you can support Evelina London

London Landmarks Half Marathon

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is a closed road, central London run and is the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and City…

Find a fundraising event

Are you up for a new challenge? Then why not run or cycle this year and raise money for Evelina London. We'll be with you every step of the way.

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