I don’t normally use my blog to raise funds for causes but this one is special to me. Ethan is the son of Nicky Mitchell, who was brilliantly helpful to me during my researching of Dead Tomorrow – she worked for the debt collection agency that is the model for the one my character Lynn worked in. They allowed me wonderfully open access, and Nicky helped so much to bring that element of the book alive for me. So this link is my way of saying thank you to her – and to Ethan. And it is a fabulous cause. You can make a donation by visiting Nicky’s page on JustGiving.com
Nicky Mitchell writes: “I am currently fundraising for The Royal London Hospital Children’s Ward after giving birth 16 weeks early. My baby, Ethan, was born on October 23rd 2009 weighing just 1lb 11oz and has had no end of problems from the start, from chronic lung disease to serious infection of the bowel. The Staff at The Royal London Hospital have been fantastic and have never given up on him, despite admitting to me recently that they did not think they would be talking to us about taking Ethan home. Ethan is now 5lb 12oz, and breathing with a little help of oxygen. We will be moving him to a local hospital this week (week beginning 22/2/10) in order to prepare to bring him home. How do you thank people who worked tirelessly to save your child’s life, even before it was supposed to have started? Somehow a box a chocolates and and thank you card did not seem enough, so we are raising money for the Childrens Ward to help them provide equipment for the many other children they help every day. Please visit the Justgiving page to read his story and donate even a few pounds to help us say thank you.”