Somerset father rows for Bristol Children's Hospital

Chris credited the staff at Bristol Children's Hospital for saving Albie's life

A father is rowing 10km (6.2 miles) a day for 50 days to raise money for the children's hospital which saved his son's life.

Chris, from Bathford, Somerset, is fundraising for The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children's Hospital charity.

His son, Albie, spent 50 days in the hospital's intensive care unit after being diagnosed with enterovirus meningitis last year.

Chris credits the staff for helping the family through their "darkest moment".

Eight days after Albie was born, he developed a high temperature.

Chris and his partner immediately sought medical help and Albie was initially diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

Albie spent 50 days in intensive care being treated for enterovirus meningitis

Three days later, Albie's condition worsened and an ambulance transported him to Bristol Children's Hospital, where he was intubated.

"It was the scariest thing hearing him take what we thought could be his last breath before being intubated," Chris said.

"We got told he would not make it to the hospital, but luckily he did."

What is meningitis?

• Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

• The condition can affect anybody and can lead to sepsis if not treated quickly.

• Symptoms include a rash, high temperature, vomiting, fatigue and seizures.

Source: NHS

Doctors in Bristol diagnosed Albie with enterovirus meningitis and noticed he had developed a rare complication which caused inflammation and damage to his heart.

"You never think it's going to happen to you… and then suddenly there we were," Chris said.

Whilst Albie was treated in intensive care, The Grand Appeal provided the family with accommodation nearby.

'Amazing work'

Chris said Albie's condition has "dramatically improved" since being discharged.

He has been prescribed 10 types of daily medication to control his symptoms and his heart is regularly checked.

So far, Chris has raised more than £4,200 for the charity.

He said: "It's important to raise money and awareness for The Grand Appeal, because they do amazing work."