Baby's death spurs fundraiser for Southampton General PICU

Corey Adam Dudley spent the entirety of his short life in hospital, while he battled a range of serious health conditions.

He was born prematurely on February 24 on the Isle of Wight weighing just 3lb 1oz to parents, Leah Hutchison and Dan Dudley, who live in Newport.

He was transferred to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth for the first two weeks of his life. 

Corey at a very poorly stage 

When Corey's congenital heart disease was diagnosed, along with several other conditions, he was transferred to Southampton General where the family were well supported by NICU then PICU.

Leah and Dan were able to stay in Ronald McDonald House in Southampton to be there for Corey.

Corey underwent two open heart surgeries including a four-hour bypass. The operations were successful but Corey fell poorly with Stage 2 sepsis and had multiple organ failure.

Leah and Dan had to make the difficult decision to switch off Corey's life support, and he died in their arms on July 29.

Baby Corey, and with his parents Leah Hutchison and Dan Dudley (Image: Dudley family)

He was five months and five days old.

To donate, go to dignityfunerals.co.uk/funeral-notices/29-07-2024-corey-adam-dudley - while the funeral has already taken place, the family is still collecting donations for Friends of PICU.

Leah and Dan described their son as "beautiful and incredibly brave".

They said: "PICU in Southampton were there at his worst and saved his life multiple times with incredible equipment and amazing compassion. 

"We are asking for donations to help fund equipment and support for the families with critically ill children.

"We have seen first hand how much donations help."

So far, £2,000 has been raised.

Corey in hospital, surrounded by equipment (Image: Dudley family)