Run Norwich

SERV Norfolk welcomed as Community Heroes

The work of one of Run Norwich’s official race charities was celebrated at Norwich City Football Club on Saturday, prior to the club’s fixture against Birmingham City.

Steve McCarthy from SERV Norfolk, Julia Pardoe and her baby Caitlin were welcomed as the games KarePlus Community Heroes, and were given the honour of bringing out the official matchball prior to kick-off.

Just over a year ago, SERV Norfolk helped to save the life of baby Caitlin, who was born prematurely, and battling kidney failure and a complication with her heart and lungs that left her survival in the balance.

Caitlin’s consultant told her parents that they would try using blood and platelets in an attempt to save her, and that these would need to be transported from Cambridge to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, where Caitlin remained in the neonatal intensive care unit.

SERV Norfolk – a group of volunteers that transport urgent medical items to hospitals at night, and during weekends and bank holidays – carried out that vital transportation process, and with the help of the blood and platelets, Caitlin began to fight.

Just two weeks before she was due to come home, Caitlin had another scare, as she was rushed back into the NICU with suspected meningitis.

Again, she required blood during a weekend and the SERV Norfolk volunteers were there. Thankfully, Caitlin’s life was saved, and she joined Steve and her mum Julia on the pitch on Saturday.

Julia remembers the enormous part that SERV Norfolk played in Caitlin’s story, and told canaries.co.uk:

“Without this service, my baby would have died.

“It really is that real. At just over 11 months old, Caitlin is a beautiful little girl, full of life and love, and gives the biggest smiles.

“I could never repay these volunteers for what they have done.”

To take part in Run Norwich, and help to support SERV Norfolk, visit www.runnorwich.co.uk/enter, hit enter, and select the appropriate entry option while places remain available.