A 14-MONTH old toddler from Wrexham is fronting the 11th annual Matalan and Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s ‘pyjama’ campaign.

Caleb was sadly diagnosed with two serious conditions before he was born: Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that affects the heart's structure and function, and spina bifida, a condition where the spinal cord does not develop properly, causing a gap in the spine.

Soon after his birth at his local hospital in Wrexham, Caleb began experiencing cyanotic (blue) spells caused by low oxygen levels. He was transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, where he was placed on a ventilator in the intensive care unit (ICU).

During this time, Caleb's parents, Keeley and James Hughes, were approached by the research team about enrolling him in the GASTRIC-PICU study, a research project aimed at evaluating the common nursing practice in children’s intensive care of measuring the child’s stomach contents frequently compared to not doing this. Caleb was the first-ever participant in this important study.

In March 2024, Caleb underwent a major operation to repair his heart. The surgery involved fixing the hole in his heart, opening a valve to his lungs, and trimming a thickened muscle. After six weeks of recovery at Alder Hey, Caleb has made a remarkable recovery and is enjoying getting back to normal life.

Caleb’s mother, Keeley said: “Caleb has received the best care and treatment throughout. We were happy to be part of the research study, as it may contribute to better medical care for future children like Caleb.

"We’re looking forward to seeing the overall outcome of the study."

Caleb's family is also excited to be involved in this year’s Matalan campaign, which supports a cause close to their hearts.

“It’s lovely that something positive has come out of a very painful, hard first year of Caleb’s life,” Keeley said. “A bittersweet moment – Caleb loves his new pyjamas!”

For the 11th year, Matalan and Alder Hey Children’s Charity has released an exclusive family pyjama collection, with 100% of profits going to support vital research and care at Alder Hey.

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The collection includes matching pyjamas for adults and children, plus adorable baby sleepsuits and even a jumper for the family dog. The range features bright, positive designs with uplifting quotes such as “Shine Bright” and “Dream Big”, as well as cheerful stars, rainbows, and Alder Hey’s beloved mascot, Oli the Elephant.

The collection is available in selected stores and online, with all profits benefiting Alder Hey’s research programs led by nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). 

Fiona Ashcroft, CEO of Alder Hey Children’s Charity said: “Eleven magical years as a partner with Matalan has created some unforgettable designs that our, children, families, staff and donors just love!

"This year is no exception and I know these pyjamas will fly off the shelves again this year. Supporting research is critical to improving healthcare for children across the whole of the UK and Matalan families always get behind our work in astounding numbers!”