A six-year-old boy whose life was saved by Croydon University Hospital has inspired a specialist private equity firm to rally behind a fundraising appeal for extra equipment to save more lives.

Mason Mole was hospitalised after falling critically ill just before the pandemic with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which caused his lungs to collapse.

Mason and his family launched Croydon Health Charity’s Little Breaths appeal in July 2023 which has raised over £27,000 to fund two additional children’s ventilators for Croydon University Hospital.

The need for medical equipment is urgent because of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and high air pollution.

These have caused more children to be admitted to the hospital during the colder months of the year.

Mason’s story inspired Bluewater, the London-based firm, to pledge £10,000 in match funding to help Little Breaths achieve its £46,000 target and enable the charity to purchase additional ventilators. 

Frazer Blyth, Director of Investor Relations & Marketing, said: “Philanthropy & community are an integral part of the culture at Bluewater, and we aim to support charitable organisations and appeals that have a personal connection with members of our team.

“We are delighted to be supporting Croydon Health Charity’s ‘Little Breaths’ appeal to help purchase new life-saving ventilators. 

“We hope that our support will help to inspire the community to donate and support critically ill children in Croydon.”

Mason and his family officially unveiled the first ventilator, bought by Little Breaths supporters after the first fundraising appeal in the summer. 

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Sarah McLaggan, Head of Nursing for Children’s Service said: “We’re grateful to Little Breaths supporters who have donated towards our new ventilator.

“This additional medical device will provide life-saving support to the critically ill children receiving care in the Paediatric Emergency Department.

“We hope that Bluewater’s generous match funding will help to buy the second ventilator for the Rainbow Children’s Unit, which will be vital as we enter the winter months.”