When Liam and Sophie welcomed their second child, Alfie, in March 2020, their world was turned upside down. At just 36 hours old, Alfie needed emergency bowel surgery at Sheffield Children’s.
Liam said: “We feared the worst. This all happened as the coronavirus pandemic began too – it was so worrying.”
Alfie spent five weeks in the Neonatal Surgical Unit (NSU), while Liam and Sophie stayed nearby at Magnolia House, part of The Sick Children’s Trust, which supports families with a sick child being treated at Sheffield Children’s Hospital by giving them a welcoming and supportive place to stay just minutes from their seriously ill child’s hospital bedside.
Liam said: “As parents, you never know when you might need Sheffield Children’s. We are so lucky to have this amazing hospital on our doorstep.”
Just days after surgery, Alfie was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) – a lifelong condition that affects the lungs and digestive system.
Today, at five years old, Alfie is doing really well thanks to regular care from Sheffield Children’s specialist CF team. He has access to pioneering new medicines that are helping him stay healthy.
Liam said: “He’s a healthy child with CF. His pancreas is back in its normal range, and he loves school and playing football – all he wants to do is have his kit on!”
While Alfie was in hospital, Liam received an unsupportive call from his then-employer. It was a turning point. He left his job to prioritise his son’s care, and together, he and Sophie decided to start their own business.
With Liam’s construction experience, the couple launched K-Fix Systems Ltd, which has grown from two vans and a laptop at the family dining table into a thriving company with its own factory and offices.
Liam said: “Everything we do as a family and as a business is for Alfie and his future.”
K-Fix now proudly supports Sheffield Children’s through Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. The company has gifted a snowflake on the hospital and taken part in fundraising events as a family, from bake sales to Glow in the Park.
Businesses, like K-Fix, play a vital role in helping us fund life-changing care, comfort and new ideas to transform children’s healthcare.
Liam said: “If you are a business or employer, I would urge you to support more children like our Alfie. There are so many ways you can help.”
Could your workplace help us to transform the hospital experience for patients and families? Every supporter helps make a difference. Whether you donate, fundraise, partner with us, or spread the word, you’re helping to change lives at Sheffield Children’s.
For a chat about working together, contact our team today at corporate@sheffieldchildrens.org.
