Parents of Rhys Chauhan have been awarded this week’s Charity Champion top spot after raising an incredible £3,333 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. 

Inspired by the care Rhys has received at Birmingham Children’s Hospital the Chauhan family,  organised a big Family Fun Day in their community of Sparkhill, Birmingham with fun entertainment including a bouncy castle, fire engine, cake sale, face painting, nail and henna design, games, raffle and an auction!

 In December 2016, Rhys became poorly after developing severe croup, a childhood condition that affects the narrowing of the windpipe, airways to the lungs and voice box. The severity of his croup required him to be ventilated and later Rhys was diagnosed with Autoimmune Neutropenia, a rare disease, where the body finds it hard to fight off infection.

 The Family Fun Day was a huge success, raising awareness of croup and Autoimmune Neutropenia. Over 200 people enjoyed the fun and games and the money raised will go to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital where Rhys was treated. 

Nilesh and Jessica Rhys’s parents commented, “We wanted to give back to the hospital which has looked after Rhys so well and show how grateful we are to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The event was a real success; we didn’t expect to so many people to come and support us. We cannot thank everyone enough.”

 “Rhys is doing much better and is being reviewed every 3 months to make sure he doesn’t have a relapse and we have been told he will hopefully grow out of his condition between the ages of three and five years old.

 We hope the money raised can go towards some lifesaving equipment in the intensive care unit.”

Annie Eytle, Acting Events and Regional Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “We’re so glad to hear Rhys is doing so well and we’re incredibly grateful to the Chauhan family for choosing to say thank you to our world-class hospital in this lovely way.

“The money they have raised will help make a big difference to our brave young patients, and their equally brave families, cared for by our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.”

For more information on Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, visit www.bch.org.uk, email [email protected] or call 0121 333 8506.