Pub helps little Charlie who stops breathing every time he falls asleepÂ

KIND-hearted landlord Steve Pratt will be taking to the stage to raise money for a youngster who stops breathing every time he falls asleep.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Nov 2018, 17:00 BST
Updated 7th Nov 2018, 18:01 BST
Charlie Wagstaff, who has a rare condition called Congenital Central Hypoventilation SyndromeCharlie Wagstaff, who has a rare condition called Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome
Charlie Wagstaff, who has a rare condition called Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome

Little Charlie Wagstaff has a rare condition called Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome which affects the nervous system that controls breathing.

Every time the toddler goes to sleep, he needs a ventilator for life support as the condition, which only affects 1,000 people worldwide, causes him to stop breathing.

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Steve, landlord of Fox and Hounds pub in Denmead, heard about Charlie and wanted to help.

Charlie Wagstaff, who has a rare condition called Congenital Central Hypoventilation SyndromeCharlie Wagstaff, who has a rare condition called Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome
Charlie Wagstaff, who has a rare condition called Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome

Three times a year he holds a tribute night and raises money for good causes in the community.

The event on December 1 will see Steve perform as Neil Diamond to fundraise for Charlie.

The 55-year-old said: '˜When I do the tribute nights I am always looking for someone to put forward a family or person in the community who needs help.

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'˜Charlie's parents used to be regulars in the pub and the first time they came in with Charlie, they explained his condition.

Steve Pratt, landlord of The Fox & Hounds pub, Denmead, is holding a fundraising evening for Charlie Wagstaff who has a rare condition. Picture: Sarah StandingSteve Pratt, landlord of The Fox & Hounds pub, Denmead, is holding a fundraising evening for Charlie Wagstaff who has a rare condition. Picture: Sarah Standing
Steve Pratt, landlord of The Fox & Hounds pub, Denmead, is holding a fundraising evening for Charlie Wagstaff who has a rare condition. Picture: Sarah Standing

'˜He had all these tubes and equipment and they explained he had spent months in hospital.

'˜I was really upset hearing about what he goes through and wanted to do something. I asked if there was anything he needed and his parents said he needs a new mask for breathing at night.'

At the moment Charlie's mask is starting to cause facial deformities. Money raised from the night, including a raffle, will go towards a bespoke mask. 

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So far, more than £2,000 has been raised and Steve said he was really pleased with people's generosity.

'˜The community always get involved when we do our events,' he added.

'˜People are so generous with donating raffle prizes and we have sold nearly every ticket. I think people like seeing the money going to worthy families.

'˜The place will be packed and I cannot wait.'

Steve got into performing tribute acts a few years ago after his band split.

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He said for one of his birthdays, he wanted to get an Elvis Presley tribute act but instead decided to don the costume and perform himself.

Since then, he has added to his acts and now does Neil Diamond and Robbie Williams events.

Steve said: '˜The fundraisers always tend to be good events and they attract different people depending on the act.

'˜It is all good fun.'

The concert is at 8pm on December 1 and tickets are available from the Fox and Hounds. 

To make a donation for Charlie's mask visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/angie-ryan-01.

Related topics:MoneyDenmeadPeopleElvis Presley