9 November 2018
A teenager who will turn 16 in two weeks’ time is planning a fundraising trek up one of Shropshire’s most recognisable landmarks to raise money for a hospital team who saved her life when she was just six weeks old.
Harriet Bagguley
Harriet Bagguley is planning to climb the Wrekin with friends and family to raise money for the Children’s Ward at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
She has also asked for donations for the ward instead of presents for her 16th birthday.
Harriet, who is a prefect at Haberdashers Abraham Darby in Madeley, Telford, was admitted to hospital when she was just six weeks old, weighting 6lbs, because she was constantly bringing milk back up.
She was diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, a condition where the passage between the stomach and small bowel becomes narrower, which stops milk or food passing into the bowel to be digested. If the condition is not treated, the baby will become dehydrated and not gain weight.
Harriet’s mum, Charlotte, said: “It was something of a chance diagnosis by a junior doctor, as the condition is usually only found in first born males, and Harriet has an older brother.
“Following the diagnosis, Harriet underwent an operation and is now a fit and healthy soon-to-be-16-year-old.”
Harriet at six-weeks-old
Harriet said: “I wanted to do something to raise money for the hospital because without them, I wouldn’t be here. I have asked my friends and family to join me on the sponsored walk up the Wrekin and have asked for people to donate to the hospital instead of giving me presents. I’m hoping to raise about £200.”
Harriet has set up an online donation page at
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harriet-bagguley
Lisa Gilks, Children’s Ward Manager, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Harriet for such a selfless act. Turning 16 is a big moment in a young person’s life, so to give up presents to raise money for us is incredibly generous and we wish her all the best in her walk.”