Help Chester family be with poorly baby boy Dexter for his major heart operation

Poorly Dexter Blake has a rare condition which means his pulmonary artery is wrapped around his windpipe, making it difficult for him to breathe when exerting himself, or while sleeping.

Poorly Dexter Blake will require major heart surgery next month.

He has required several stays in hospital since being born, usually for oxygen therapy – including when he marked his first birthday in January at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Back then, we reported on how Dexter – who loves cards – received hundreds of birthday cards from well-wishers far and wide, even as far as Dubai and New Zealand, following an appeal by mum Danielle and dad Robert.

Back then, he got over 420 birthday cards.

Dexter Blake received over 420 birthday cards.

Now Dexter, who has a left pulmonary artery sling, left-sided bronchomalacia and left-sided thoracic hypoplasia, requires major heart surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital, with the operation scheduled for April 6.

It will require Dexter to be put into an induced coma, and the recovery time means he will be expected to be in the hospital for up to a month.

He will also require follow-up appointments, operations and overnight stays over the coming months.

Dexter Blake with mum Danielle Blake and dad Robert Blake.

But due to Covid restrictions, only mum Danielle can be at the hospital with him.

Dexter's grandmother Karen Clark has set up an online fundraising page to support the family at this difficult time.

She wrote: "Desperately wanting to be there for his son and wife, Rob (dad) will have to find a place as near to the hospital as possible, pay for parking for a month, food for them both and congestion and emissions charges.

"He will only be able to have a five-minute catch up with Danielle (mum) a day if she is able to leave the hospital and no hugs/comforting her.

Dexter Blake marked his first birthday in January in hospital.

"Without everyone’s help, Danielle will have to take this whole battle in the big city on her own, and Rob won’t be able to see his son or wife for up to a month.

"Danielle has had to give up her career to care for Dexter, she has never been out of work since she was 15, this fundraiser will help them not have to worry so much about the financial strain they are already under.

"Please, if anyone out there has any donations to give, it would mean the world to our family and you will be helping us get through a very tough time.

Dexter Blake received over 420 birthday cards.

"Any donation big or small will be much appreciated and you will have our deepest gratitude."

Among those who are showing their support are Dexter's godmother Ruth and her two-year-old daughter Ivy, who will do a sponsored toddle on April 6 and has already raised £600.

Any extra funds not used to fund the stay will be donated to Arrowe Park Hospital Children's Ward that recently looked after Dexter and family for over a month during his last hospital admission.

Mum Danielle wishes to thank everyone who has donated so far and for sending the birthday cards back in January.

• To donate, visit https://uk.gofundme.com/f/help-dexter-have-his-family-round-him-during-his-l