A MUM whose baby suffered a serious respiratory disease when only 11 weeks old is urging others to support our Guardian Angels appeal.

Little Libby Formhals, of Clifton Moor, York, was taken to York Hospital on her doctor's advice after developing a cough and heavy breathing.

She was given oxygen and fed through a tube in the children's ward, while her tiny body battled bronchiolitis.

Now a healthy four-month-old baby, Libby's progress has inspired her mum, Gail, to share her story.

Gail, aged 36, said it had been difficult to detect Libby's illness because she had been an unsettled baby anyway.

She said: "Libby was always upset and never stopped crying. I didn't pick up on her heavy breathing because she was very sniffly anyway; it was her cough that prompted me to take her to the doctors.

"I think she had been fighting bronchiolitis for a few days, so she reached her peak and deteriorated in hospital, which was obviously the best place for her to be.

"The nurses were fantastic and they also picked up on how unsettled she was and realised she had a problem digesting her milk.

"She has been treated for that as well and it has made the world of difference to her - she's a different child now."

Libby's granddad, William Bearpark, said he had been impressed by the professionalism of the staff on the ward.

"It was frightening when I saw Libby in hospital," said Mr Bearpark. "I didn't understand what was wrong with her other than that she wasn't very well at all.

"Then in came Jill Crampton (matron of children's services) and explained it to us and made us feel a lot better. Thanks to her and the other nurses we still have our precious granddaughter, Libby."

Gail said although Libby had been treated in York, her heart went out to parents whose children had been transferred to other hospitals.

"I think Guardian Angels is a really good cause, especially if it can keep children in York," she said.

"It would have been dreadful if there'd have been any talk of moving her to another hospital; it would have been a nightmare.

"I stayed with Libby the whole time and my husband looked after our little boy, Louis, but it would have been really difficult if she'd have been moved."

If you want to make a donation, send cheques or postal orders made out to the Evening Press Guardian Angels appeal, to Charlotte Percival, Newsroom, Evening Press, 76/86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.

PLEASE do not send cash or send donations to the hospital direct.

We'll boost your event

IF YOU are holding a charity event, such as a coffee morning or sponsored walk, we can help you publicise it in two ways.

Let us know about it and we'll put something in the Evening Press to make sure as many people as possible support your efforts.

Phone our newsdesk on 01904 653051 or email us at newsdesk@ycp.co.uk, and click on the appeal icon on our home page, you'll be led through to a special section to complete.

There you will also find a downloadable poster which you can customise to generate more publicity.

The Evening Press Guardian Angels appeal aims to transform high-dependency paediatric care on York Hospital's children's ward. By raising £300,000 we can improve life for the sickest children going into hospital and, where possible, ensure they can be treated in York.

Updated: 10:29 Thursday, January 12, 2006