A DAD whose son’s life was saved by a hospital unit has urged other parents to help keep it open.

Julian May of Bridport wants people to sign a petition in support of the children’s cardiac unit at Southampton General Hospital.

Staff saved his son Luke’s life in a series of major operations after he was rushed into the hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at just six weeks old.

Julian says Ocean Ward cardiac unit is vital as it could be somebody else’s child that falls ill next time around.

His plea comes in the run up to Father’s Day on Sunday. Julian, a Bridport town councillor, said: “Luke was in the PICU for a year and received open heart surgery amongst many operations.

“I know how good this place is from first hand experience and I urge any parent to make the effort to support the unit.”

Luke, who has just celebrated his second birthday, was taken into the PICU for surgery for a diaphragmatic hernia.

He later had a lung removed six weeks later and underwent open heart surgery at Southampton. The cardiac unit is at threat of closure under a review of children’s cardiac services nationwide.

There are 11 children’s cardiac units but Southampton is rated as the second best performing in the country.

Mr May said: “If Southampton is closed, the nearest is London or Bristol.

“Not only are the surgical team outstanding, but there is also parent accommodation available, on site at the hospital and in houses close by to the hospital.”

He added: “You may be thinking: ‘My child doesn’t have a heart problem, why should I worry?’ Heart problems may be detected at birth or may lie undetected for several years.

“Occasionally a virus may lead to a heart condition. In many cases, time is critical. The longer the wait for treatment, the worse the outcome may be.”

How you can HELP to support the cause

There are a number of ways to help before the deadline of the July 1.

• TEXT: Participate in a free textathon by texting HEART to 85001. You will get an instant reply, and then you reply: OPTION B and that’s it.

• INTERNET: Fill out the e-petition online at LukesLife.co.uk/heart

• More details at friendsofpicu.org.uk and on the hotline at 023 8079 8773