A Jersey father has launched a fundraising appeal to help his large family stay together while supporting their baby daughter through life-saving heart treatment in the UK.

Joshua, a father of seven, said the family is hoping to raise just over £30,000 for a nine-seater vehicle, which would allow them to travel together for hospital appointments and future surgeries for their baby daughter, Peach, who has a serious congenital heart condition.

Joshua and Sarah’s blended family includes four older children, alongside newborn triplets.

But during the pregnancy, the family received the “devastating news” that one of the babies had been diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex and potentially life-threatening heart defect.

That marked the start of a “frightening journey none of us expected”, said Joshua.

Peach is due to undergo her first life-saving operation in the UK, but travel regulations mean only one parent can accompany her.

Joshua explained: “Airline rules require one adult per infant, and ferry regulations cannot accommodate this number of young children without a suitable vehicle.”

As a result, Sarah will travel alone with Peach, while Joshua remains in Jersey to care for their six other children.

“The idea of being separated at such a terrifying moment has been incredibly hard on all of us,” he said.

While the surgery will go ahead before the family can secure a vehicle, Joshua said the need has “never been clearer”.

The family currently only has a five-seater car, making it impossible for them to travel together.

A nine-seater vehicle would enable both parents to attend hospital stays, keep the children together during stressful journeys, and manage everyday tasks such as school runs and shopping.

“This vehicle isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for us to care for our children, especially Peach, in the months and years ahead,” said Joshua.

He added that the family’s financial situation has been strained, as he is currently on paternity leave to care for the children and support the many medical appointments leading up to Peach’s surgery.

“I’m eager to return to work as soon as Peach is safely recovering, but right now we simply cannot afford the vehicle we urgently need,” he said.

“With everything happening so quickly, we simply haven’t had time to financially prepare for such a big and urgent need.”

Suitable vehicles are not available in Jersey, he added, meaning the family would need to purchase one in the UK and cover travel and import costs.

“Asking for help is incredibly difficult,” said Joshua. “But after preparing for Sarah to leave with Peach for major heart surgery – without me – it became clear that we cannot manage this alone.

“Having a vehicle that fits all of us would mean we never have to be separated during frightening medical moments again.”

DONATE…

Islanders can donate to Joshua’s fundraiser here.