Archie was five weeks old when his mother Amanda Keen grew worried about his health.

Realising his breathing was irregular and his chest an abnormal shape, the family began a strenuous four months of hospital visits.

Doctors remained uncertain of his condition until a local care assistant helped diagnose Archie’s condition, saving his life.

Amanda, 24, has nominated specialist nurse, Dora Aaron, as a Croydon Community Champion after she pushed for tests that identified Archie’s illness.

Archie had been to a number of hospitals which had failed to diagnose his condition.

It was at this stage that Dora Aaron, a member of the NHS Croydon Children’s Hospital at Home team, was introduced to the Keen family.

She began to visit Archie at home to supply him with a nasal gastric tube that would assist him while feeding.

Amanda said that on a routine visit to the house, Dora noticed Archie had turned blue and insisted doctors did further tests, including a sleep test. As a result, Archie was finally found to have a rare genetic respiratory condition that affects 1 in 1,000,000.

Amanda said: “She was brilliant, the whole team are brilliant. I want to thank all of them, but specifically Dora, she saved my boy’s life.”

NHS Croydon’s children’s hospital at home is a team of nurses who assist children up to the age of 18 with life-threatening conditions.

Dora was shocked to be nominated. She said: “I’m delighted for myself and the team. All I was doing was what my role requires. When I have a child in need, I try to look at the big picture. I’m persistent and if I see a requirement I will pursue it until I am happy with the result.”

Since Archie’s diagnosis, doctors have been able to treat Archie’s rare condition and have provided him with a 24-hour oxygen supply.

Now 10 months old, Archie still needs a nasal gastric tube and regular visits from Dora but is starting to live a normal happy life.

Amanda explained: “He will have the condition for life and there is a 50 per cent chance hewill pass his condition on to his children, but he’s walking, talking and playing with colours.

“We did a lot of pushing to help him, but now he’s developing normally.”

• Do you know someone who should be nominated as a Croydon Champion? Visit croydonguardian.co.uk/croydonchampions