Christopher Potter - Rise For Rescue Ambassador
Christopher Potter - The Littlest Battler
Rise For Rescue Ambassador - Rescue Story
Christopher Potter spent four of his first five months in
hospital.
He was born in December 2018 with rare condition called
tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF). This meant that his oesophagus did not connect
to his stomach and he was born unable to swallow, and if left untreated, he
would literally drown in his own saliva.
This required him to have surgery within the first couple of
days after meeting his parents, Joanne and Rob.
He had a pretty rough recovery as Christopher's condition
was described as complex requiring him to be in hospital for six weeks.
Rob had just got home from work.
“Christopher had sounded rattly and Rob and I re-positioned
him to his side as this normally helped - instead this time it had the opposite
effect and he just stopped breathing. It was a very strange sound and I
grabbed the phone and dialled 000 immediately,” Joanne said.
“I didn't realise it was any different to previous episodes
until a couple of minutes into the call when it became clear that things were
really wrong this time, I just knew we needed help,” she said.
While Jo was on the phone to Triple 0, Rob moved quickly to
provide his seven week old baby with CPR. Rob is in the Rural Fire Service and had
undertaken first aid training which included children’s first aid before
Christopher was born.
This was the second time that Potters called Triple 0. A few
days earlier, he was transported back to hospital after going blue, floppy and
unconscious. He was discharged the following day only to become seriously
unwell a day and half later.
Within 17 minutes there were three ambulances, two police
cars and the Rescue Helicopter had landed.
“Rob and Jo’s quick thinking saved their little boy’s life,”
said Sean Valance who was the flight paramedic on board that February
afternoon.
The helicopter landed at the school oval in Gwandalan in
Lake Macquarie and he was flown immediately to the Children’s Hospital at the
John Hunter Hospital before being flown to the Sydney Children’s Hospital for
another major surgery.
Christopher has undergone two major and 12 minor surgeries.
“He still has some
hurdles to jump, but he is a pretty strong little boy and doing well. He has
the best medical team with him. Because of the amazing work of our emergency
services the team at the Rescue Helicopter he was put in the specialist care he
needed so quickly. We are so grateful to everyone,” Jo said.
The Potter family were guests at the Belmont Base where they
had the opportunity to re-meet some of the crew that were on board the day that
Christopher was transported to Sydney.
Thank you to our Sponsors
$500
Booming Business Pty Ltd
$265
Margaret Kinvig
$212
Gwandalan Oosh
Children at oosh earned (play) money for doing tasks so as to save for a PlayStation, they were given the option to donate or save. The children all wanted to donate. We feel this is a great cause.
$200
Water Bore Pumps
A wonderful little boy with such caring parents, inspiring me to donate so other people can be helped.
$159
Anonymous
Great job little man, your mum and dad must be super proud of you. Stay strong ❤️
$106
Anonymous
$106
Marjorie Samuelu
Always meant to donate to this worthy cause, didn’t mean to leave it until it almost finished😳
$106
Alisa
Such an inspiration!
$106
Anonymous
My favourite little ChrisP Wombat.
$106
Claire Burnett
Little Christopher, I am so glad the rescue helicopter were available to take you and your mum and to the hospital to save your life!! I know your parents, family and friends are appreciate all the work the wonderful medical staff do to save lives. 💓💓💓💓
$106
Anonymous
$100
Dan And Bel Clements
$100
Edmond
much love to Christopher, Jo & Rob. peace. Edmond
$95
Anonymous
$83
Diane Schofield
Best wishes for Christopher's journey. Aren't we lucky to have such a wonderful service in our area. One hour's pay is a small donation to make to them.
$80
Millie Mcguigan
Well done Christopher!
$57
Anonymous
Congratulations on reaching your goal. An awesome effort.
$53
Rob Potter
$53
Anonymous
$53
Anonymous
Very touched by your courage Christopher & family. Best wishes for your future health & happiness.
$53
Toni Woodcock
$53
Treanor Family
Much love to you all and huge appreciation to the rescue helicopter team.
$53
Nick Seccombe
Thanks for sharing your story. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter makes such a huge difference to so many lives. Glad to hear that even though he still has some hurdles, Christopher is doing well. All the best!
$53
Lyn Spies
Christopher you are such a wonderful strong little fighter. We Love Yiu xx😊😊🌷🌷♥️♥️
$53
Jennie Agustin
$53
Amanda Mcdonald
happy to support such a vital service for our community. Keep soaring over those hurdles Christopher!
$53
Sandra South
Lots of love little guy!
$53
Pam Miller
$53
Jane Bugeja
All our love and hope for the future Christopher
$53
Elena Scifleet
$53
Louise
Hey Chris, I have heard lots about you and how you have needed so much intervention for such a young man. You mum and dad are lucky to have you in their life and I hope this small expression of support helps to keep these services in the air for special people like you :)
$53
Tamara Gregoric
$53
Ross & Lesley Wells
Glad to donate to such a good organization.
$53
Bronwyn Fenner
Best wishes We all need this service the rescue helicopter has saved so many lives. Thank you Christopher🌟
$53
Grammy
you are an amazing little fellow, we kinda love you xx
$50
Matthew Green
What a brilliant initiative Chris and family. More than happy to help you out buddy.
$50
Chris Chappell
Wow Rob so sorry to read the difficulties you guys have faced as parents. What an amazing job our ambos, rescue services and the rescue helicopter do. They were there for my Dad many moons ago. Wishing you, Jo and Christopher all the best.
$50
Julie Volpe
May you be blessed little man.
$50
Anonymous
$50
Abhijot Kaur
Lots of Blessing to Chris and His Parents. Stay Strong :)
$42
Rob Potter
Thank you for all that you do.
$27
Lee Neal
$27
Anonymous
Little cutie. Amazing service we can not live without, many thanks
$27
Kirralee Chadwick
Happy to donate to such a worth cause. Good work Jo almost there! Xo
$27
Anonymous
Oh my goodness!! We can't leave YOU out!!! I didn't realise you were fundraising separately... Here's a little something so you don't feel left out. 😊
$27
Christopher Potter
Thank you to all the wonderful people involved with Westpac Rescue Helicopter!
$27
Anonymous
$27
Tricia Downs
$27
Joanne Absalom
$27
Kathryn Mungoven
$27
Sharyn Hooper
Wonderful service and glad there was such a great outcome for your family. Take care.
$27
Donna Pendreigh
$25
Sherilee Mcmanus
You’re a fighter Christopher!! I can’t wait to see all your adventures
$25
Sherilee Mcmanus
You and your mum are both AMAZING!
$25
Belinda Wilberforce
$11
Suzie Johnston
$10
Chris P Wombat
The last little bit needed to reach the goal. $4000! GO TEAM!!! Thank you Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service
$7
Anonymous
$5
Anonymous
$5
Julie Mueller
$5
Chris Mcmillan
Christopher, brilliant work for a great cause.
