AN appeal has been launched in support of an eight-month-old baby awaiting a heart transplant who has so far spent all his life in hospital.

Caleb O’Connell was born with a severe heart defect and has already undergone three operations – the first when he was just four-days-old.

His parents Claire and Anthony live at Catterick Garrison but have spent most of the time since he was born staying at Scott House at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle where the youngster is being treated.

Scott House is a “home from home” – one of ten run by the Sick Children’s Trust to allow parents to stay close to their child and help aid their recovery.

It has proved invaluable to Claire and Anthony and the couple’s loyal friend Suzanne Bromley is now raising funds to help the Trust.

“Without Scott House, many families would have to commute daily and wouldn’t be able to be with their child in an instant if they were needed,” said Suzanne, a care assistant who also lives at Catterick.

Caleb was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome – which effectively means only half his heart has developed normally.

Despite the operations and medication he is a cheerful baby but needs to be constantly monitored. He is on the waiting list for a heart and a transplant is inevitable.

“Scott House is right beside the Freeman and to start with we spent all our time there,” said Caleb’s dad Anthony, who serves in the Army.

He and Claire have other children aged from three to 16 and now take turns staying at Scott House so the other can look after the other children.

The house has 19 rooms for families and many parents spend a long time there as they help nurse their sick children.

“It means someone can always be there and are always available when they are need. It also means there are other families who can turn to each other for support,” said Anthony.

On average, it cost the charity £28 per night to support a family in one of its homes which provide families with a private bedroom, cooking facilities, communal living rooms and playrooms for a sick child’s siblings.

Suzanne is now planning to hold a disco with entertainment on March 11 at the Holiday Inn, Scotch Corner. Tickets are £5 in advance and £6 at the door. Contact suzanne_william@hotmail.co.uk.