Fundraiser for rare condition

Georgina Bailey receives a cheque on behalf of The Childrens Hyperinsulinism Fund from the President of Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders Association, Mr John Mercer

Now aged nine, the Dromara girl has received a cheque for £150 on behalf of The Children’s Hyperinsulinism Fund based at Great Ormond Street Hospital, from the Hampshire Down Ireland Sheep Breeder’s Association, who earlier in the year held a fundraiser for her.

President of the Hampshire Down Sheep Breeder’s Association, John Mercer, and his wife Councillor Olive Mercer are neighbours of the Bailey family.

“This was something we felt we wanted to do to support them” said Mrs Mercer.

Meanwhile, Georgina’s mum Christine has been raising awareness, and with four more families in Northern Ireland now affected by the condition has set up a support group.

Finding out their daughter was the only child in Northern Ireland to have HI was a very isolating feeling for Christine and her husband William and they were relieved to be put in touch with the Great Ormond Street’s HI team.

The condition which starves a baby’s brain of blood sugar can lead to lifelong brain damage or permanent disability and in Georgina’s case resulted in associated epilepsy.

“Most days are pretty normal,” said Christine, “although Georgina has to have nine doses of medication a day and would take seizures every six to eight weeks, which usually end up as an ambulance job. I am always with her at all her activities like GB unless there is someone else there who is trained to look after her.”

A new medical paper calling for blood tests to be carried out immediately on newborns could prevent HI causing damage and Christine is keen to see this implemented.

“If the blood sugar tests had been done earlier then Georgina’s epilepsy could have most likely been prevented. I want to stop other children being affected that way.

“I’m so thankful to Hampshire Down (Ireland) for their continued generosity and the local community who have practically and prayerfully supported us, not only in the times when Georgina has taken seriously ill, but also on a day-to-day basis.”

To find out more about HI visit websites www.nihig.com or www.hi-fund.org.