THE mother of a baby boy who was born with one kidney is fundraising for the hospital which cared for him.

Sarah Woodward, of Pendleton Road, Darlington, gave birth to her son, Elliott, on May 6 last year at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.

The youngster was born with only one kidney, which was picked up during a routine 12-week scan.

However the remaining kidney did not work properly and he was kept on the special care baby unit for three days.

Doctors discovered he was suffering with chronic renal failure, as well as stage five urine reflux.

Although the youngster’s condition has since improved, he still regularly attends the hospital for reviews and blood tests.

He may also need a kidney transplant in the future.

To say thank-you to the hospital, his mother is organising a family fun day to raise funds for the special care baby unit.

The 26-year-old, from Darlington, said: “They have helped us so much. I have never had a child with a condition like this, so it was really hard at first but the staff at the hospital have been absolutely brilliant.

“Elliott was in the special care baby unit for three days and had blood tests every day.

“He still has to go for regular reviews, and has his blood tested every month.

“He has got his own dedicated dietician and the consultants have been fantastic.

“He is doing really well and is always extremely happy – he is a really happy baby considering the problems he has got.”

The mother-of-three is organising a family fun day, which will be held at St Herbert’s Church Hall, in Yarm Road, Darlington, on Saturday, August 8.

“I just wanted to do something to help them, that could involve everyone,” she said.

“The church has been really good and given us the hall for half the price and we have been given a hot dog machine free of charge.”

The event, which runs from 11am to 3pm, will feature a bouncy castle, tombola, raffle, face painting, hot dogs and refreshments.

Entry is 50p for adults and 20p for children.

Ms Woodward is appealing for raffle and tombola prizes. Anyone who can help can call 07541-257-005.