Father says thank you to medics who saved his son’s life

SUPERDAD Geordie Owens was told a year ago his son had just an hour to live.

Now this week, with baby Ciaran fighting fit and celebrating his first birthday, Geordie wants to thank the doctors who saved his son’s life.

Geordie told of the night he brought his sick three-week-old son back to life in his home when his heart stopped.

But once Ciaran was in hospital Geordie’s whole world was in the hands of Ayr’s Dr Fiona Gibson and the Yorkhill crash team who had rushed down from Glasgow.

Geordie and wife Hazel were then given the heart-rending news Ciaran had only an hour to live.

They were preparing themselves and their family for the worst when Dr Gibson suggested a move that might relieve pressure from Ciaran’s heart.

Incredibly, it worked, and Ciaran was then transferred to Yorkhill where they carried out open heart surgery.

Within a week, with the help of the wonderful care from both Ayr and Yorkhill staff, wee Ciaran was home.

Now Geordie wants to give something back to Yorkhill and has lined up two special nights to raise cash for the hospital.

First up on Wednesday, March 2 at 6.30pm is a charity football match at Dam Park in Ayr with two games including a derby between Ayr United and Killie travel clubs.

Also on the bill will be a challenge match between ‘The Legends’ and local amateur side Ayr Parkhouse, who Geordie helps to run.

And a few days later on March 5 at Ayr United’s Somerset Park hospitality suite there will be a night of raffles, auctions, leg waxing and all manner of fundraising fun.

Geordie, of Tarbolton, said: “I’ll never forget the night I had to revive Ciaran but I really wanted to do something for the hospital after the treatment he got.

“Ciaran actually died in the house that night. I got his heart going again until the ambulance arrived and took him to the Seafield ward at Ayr.”

Hazel continued: “We were told he only had an hour left. We both cried and got the family to come down because we wanted everyone to be there.

“Now, apart from the scar, you would never know Ciaran had been unwell.

“I would like to thank everyone who kept my son alive and a big thank you to Dr Gibson. If it wasn’t for her my son wouldn’t be here today.”

The Dam Park match tickets are £1 adult and 50p children and OAPs. They are available by calling 540212 or at the gate on the night.

Provided by ArmMed Media
Revision date: July 3, 2011
Last revised: by Sebastian Scheller, MD, ScD