Grateful Worksop girl takes on sponsored walk to thank doctors who saved her life

A Worksop schoolgirl stepped out to raise money for medics who saved her life.
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Nine-year-old Imogen Fletcher completed a six-mile charity walk to express her gratitude for the care she received for sepsis.

Back in February, Imogen, from Worksop, was admitted to her local hospital with what was initially suspected to be a water infection.

Mum Rheanna recalls: “Imogen had raging temperatures and back pain. However, as the day progressed it was quickly becoming apparent that it could be possible appendicitis.”

Imogen's fundraising has seen her raise more than £800 for The Children's Hospital CharityImogen's fundraising has seen her raise more than £800 for The Children's Hospital Charity
Imogen's fundraising has seen her raise more than £800 for The Children's Hospital Charity

Imogen was transferred to another hospital, where she was scheduled to have her appendix removed. Whilst waiting for the operation, her health began to decline rapidly, and she went into septic shock and required life-saving resuscitation.

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Rheanna continued: “Imogen was then diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia that had developed into sepsis. She was rushed into theatre as they worked to stabilise her. We were told to prepare ourselves for the worst as she was seriously ill.

“The Embrace Ambulance Service came to transport Imogen to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where she received the most incredible round the clock care.

Olivia Fletcher, Imogen Fletcher and cousins Alexa Santos and George Hewitt did the walk togetherOlivia Fletcher, Imogen Fletcher and cousins Alexa Santos and George Hewitt did the walk together
Olivia Fletcher, Imogen Fletcher and cousins Alexa Santos and George Hewitt did the walk together

“My advice to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation is to place your trust in them when you feel helpless as a parent. The staff were just amazing.”

Imogen spent the next three days on the Intensive Care Unit and was ventilated following the collapse of her left lung. She was then moved onto a ward at Sheffield Children’s, where she proceeded to make a strong recovery thanks to support provided by staff with carefully administered antibiotics and continuous observation.

After just eight days, Imogen’s progress meant she could return home. Having now made a full recovery and what is hoped to be her final check-up appointment due in August, the family have devoted themselves to fundraising to say thank you.

Rheanna continued: “We cannot put into words how incredibly proud we are of Imogen. She has made a remarkable full recovery and continues to go from strength-to-strength every day. The future is bright for her and now she just wants to give back for the incredible care she has received.”

On Saturday, July 11th, Imogen and her family took on a six-mile Team Theo’s sponsored walk for The Children’s Hospital Charity. The event, which encourages supporters to take on their route, was launched following the cancellation of the charity’s Chatsworth Walk due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Registration is free and walks can also include a scavenger hunt activity guide to add to the entertainment. Anyone who raises over £50 from their walk will receive a special Team Theo’s water bottle as thank you for their hard work.

The money raised from the sponsored walk will support The Children’s Hospital Charity’s appeal to build a new Cancer and Leukaemia ward, Emergency Department and Helipad at Sheffield Children’s.

Rheanna added: “We saw the walk while scrolling through The Children’s Hospital Charity’s website and Imogen immediately said ‘I want to do that!’. We did it by walking from her primary school to our local abbey and back.”

“We only wanted to raise £150 so we’re absolutely thrilled to have raised more than £800 already. We know the money will make a huge difference.”

To support Imogen’s fundraising or to sign up to do your own Team Theo’s sponsored walk, visit: www.teamtheoswalk.com/

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