Stevenage mum’s having a ball after baby Elliott came home

A MOTHER of a young baby who came through a life-threatening operation is raising funds to help families who also find themselves in similar “heartbreaking” situations.

Elliott Mitchell was just four-months-old when he had to have heart surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London last September, after he was born with heart defect Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Now four months on since Elliott was able to leave hospital, mum Kerry, from Stevenage, is busy organising a charity ball.

Speaking of the time spent at the hospital, Kerry said: “He should have been in for four days but due to complications he was in for four weeks.

“I can’t put it into words how awful it was. It was heartbreaking.

“But now he’s doing really well - he will have to have another operation but not until he is between 10 and 15-years-old.”

The 29-year-old, who works at the Holiday Inn Express in Danestrete, Stevenage, added: “I’m trying to raise funds for the Royal Brompton Fountain for equipment for the hospital and to help families stay in family accommodation as I couldn’t afford to stay in Chelsea.

“If we raise �2,000 I’ll be really really happy.”

The Black Tie Ball at Stevenage’s Novotel Hotel takes place on Saturday, March 19, from 7pm to 1am, with a three-course meal, disco, raffle and auction.

So far prizes up for grabs at the ball include footballs signed by Manchester United players, a tour of the ITN studio, hotel breaks and a casino trip.

Tickets cost �25 and are still available, while donations for the raffle and auction are welcome.

For more information call Kerry Mitchell on 07795 488172.