Hartlepool street party for battling baby

Residents of a Hartlepool street are coming together this weekend to throw a big open air party in aid of a battling baby.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Aug 2016, 14:29 BST
Updated 11th Aug 2016, 15:34 BST
Connie Young (9 weeks) with her Dad David and Mam Helen Dawson. Photograph by FRANK REIDConnie Young (9 weeks) with her Dad David and Mam Helen Dawson. Photograph by FRANK REID
Connie Young (9 weeks) with her Dad David and Mam Helen Dawson. Photograph by FRANK REID

Neighbours of Helen Dawson and David Young, whose daughter Connie Young has a rare dowel disorder, are organising the street party for the hospital that cared for her.

It takes place tomorrow afternoon when the residents of Celandine Gardens at Bishop Cuthbert get together for a barbecue, children’s games, bouncy castle and tombolas. Hartlepool Fire Brigade is also due to pay a visit.

Connie Young who has a rare bowel condition called Hirschsprung's disease in Newcastle's RVI hospitalConnie Young who has a rare bowel condition called Hirschsprung's disease in Newcastle's RVI hospital
Connie Young who has a rare bowel condition called Hirschsprung's disease in Newcastle's RVI hospital
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Proceeds from the day will go to ongoing fundraising efforts for the Children’s Trust and Ward 9 at Newcastle’s RVI hospital which cared for Connie.

Lizzie Newton, who came up with the idea for the street party, said: “I knew Helen before I moved in and we both moved into the street on the same day.

“I just thought it would be a nice opportunity to get everyone together in the street and try and make a bit of money for the cause.

“I put letters through everyone’s door in the street to see if they were interested and everybody has come together.”

Connie Young who has a rare bowel condition called Hirschsprung's disease in Newcastle's RVI hospitalConnie Young who has a rare bowel condition called Hirschsprung's disease in Newcastle's RVI hospital
Connie Young who has a rare bowel condition called Hirschsprung's disease in Newcastle's RVI hospital
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Four-month-old cutie Connie was born at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton after Helen had a normal pregnancy.

But at just a day old Connie became sick and an x-ray showed up severe blockages in her bowel.

She was transferred to the RVI in Newcastle where she was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s Disease which means her bowel does not work as it should leading to severe constipation and will require an operation.

Helen and David are organising a number of fundraisers. On Friday, August 26, dad David will saddle up for a coast to coast bike ride between Whitehaven and Hartlepool.

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And on Sunday, August 28, a charity night will take place at the Corporation Club, Whitby Street, from 7pm.

Helen is looking forward to tomorrow’s event. She said: “The response has been great, we’ve had donations from a local primary school, an appearance from the Hartlepool Fire Brigade and lots of others bits and pieces going on.

“The best part is that it has really pulled the local community together.”

Lizzie agreed adding: “Even young lads who live on their own have donated prizes for the tombola, and people who can’t be here have still given something.

“It’s brilliant.”

Related topics:ResidentsHartlepoolNeighbours