AN inspiring little boy is preparing to tackle a mini triathlon in honour of his two little sisters who both battled complex heart conditions.
Oscar Maclennan, 7, from Stanway, will be taking on a 2km run followed by a 10km bike ride and 200m swim in March.
He is undertaking the challenge in aid of the The Brompton Fountain, a specialist referral centre for seriously ill children fighting complex heart and lung conditions.
Two of these children were Oscar's younger sisters, Matilda and Lois, aged two and four months, respectively.
In 2021, Brompton Hospital helped Matilda shortly after her birth when she suffered a suspected coarctation of the aorta before she was eventually discharged from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit a few days later.
After several follow-up appointments, Matilda was discharged from Brompton's Hospital's care in 2022.
The family said: "The staff on the PICU ward went above and beyond and we saw first hand the caring nature of the amazing nurses who cared for Matilda 24/7, whilst also supporting us through such a difficult time."
Then, in 2023, baby Lois was sent by an emergency ambulance to Brompton Hospital before being diagnosed with heart failure after her heart beat much faster than normal for a prolonged period.
Following Matilda’s final appointment, we certainly never thought we’d have to return but our Lois had other plans," added the family.
"Our worst fears became reality and we were again on our way in an emergency ambulance to the Brompton with little Lois."
After being stabilised, Lois was able to leave after a ten day stay with the Brompton Fountain Charity, which funded books for Lois to read during her stay in addition to refreshments for parents.
The family added: "Thanks to the incredible nurses and doctors, Lois’s condition was stabilised and she was discharged.
"It’s been a rocky road since but we have the reassurance and support of the team at the Brompton guiding us through and caring for Lois every step of the way."
Oscar now wants to do something to help the people who helped his sisters and was inspired after “just happening” to see something on television about others raising money for charity.
Eager to get as much support as possible, during a recent assembly at St Teresa's primary school Oscar got up and told everyone what he was doing, at first setting a target of £1,000.
His grandmother, Paula Smith, however, has now revealed within two days of the fundraiser going live £2,000 was raised.
She said: "I think its absolutely amazing, we've just told family and friends, but the money's still coming in."
Royal Brompton Hospital in Chelsea is the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK, treating adults and children equipment and improvements to the hospital facilities.
While the Brompton Fountain was established in 2005 to support child patients of the hospital and their families.
To donate to ‘Oscar’s Triathlon Challenge’ for The Brompton Fountain charity visit here.
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