It’s been 11 years since the RCH saved Finley Warren’s life.

Determined to give back to the hospital as a thank you for the care he received, Finley has busked and biked the 230km journey from Maffra to Melbourne, raising over $25,000 for the hospital.

Ten years ago, doctors confirmed what they’d suspected: Finley had Long-Gap Oesophageal Atresia, meaning that his oesophagus wasn’t connected to his stomach. Finley was admitted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) unable to be fed orally or swallow his own saliva without choking. Three major surgeries and around-the-clock care were needed to connect Finley’s oesophagus to his stomach and get him well.

“With every birthday, we reminisce about those difficult early days. The rawness of the emotions can make it seem like Finley’s arrival was just yesterday and I’m not sure that that feeling will ever fade,” said Kelly Warren, Finley’s mum.

Arriving at the RCH on 6 October 2016, Finley celebrated the 10 year anniversary of his graduation from NICU with some of the doctors and nurses that cared for him all those years ago.

“As a family, we are so grateful to the NICU because without this incredible facility and the expertise of the staff who work there, our generous 10-year old boy simply wouldn’t be here. Many of the sickest babies just wouldn’t have a future.”