Baby Charlie from Balham inspires charity (From Your Local Guardian)

Baby Charlie from Balham inspires charity

7:10am Tuesday 21st July 2009

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When baby Charlie was born at just 28 weeks, his three-month struggle in hospital was agony for his parents, Rachael and Andrew Marsh, from Balham.

Now blessed with a healthy toddler, they are launching a charity to say thank you to St George’s Hospital and to help other parents.

Mrs Marsh, 35, of Osward Road, gave up her job as a project manager to run The Ickle Pickles, which will raise money for equipment and facilities at the Tooting hospital’s neonatal unit.

She said: “When he was born, he was like a little bird - very very thin with translucent skin.

“There’s a lot of fear. You think there could be something that shakes you around the corner. We were incredibly lucky.”

Charlie, who was born at just two pounds and four ounces, was in an incubator for nine weeks while his worried parents could only look on.

The nurses caring for him affectionately called him Ickle Pickle, which the charity takes its name from.

A launch parade will take place on Tooting Bec Common on Sunday, August 9, involving a two-mile walk, children’s activities and garden party.

Mrs Marsh said: “The hospital was very professional and supportive. We want to give something back.

“If other people are going through this, take heart, your Ickle Pickle is in the right place with an incredibly dedicated team watching over them.”

To take part in the launch parade, which costs £5, visit icklepickles.org.

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