After 11 years of supporting the Good Friday Appeal, this year will be even more special for Wendouree CFA firefighter Ryan Patrikeos.

Last month, his newborn Sophia, just six weeks old, was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) for an operation. Ryan and his wife Maddie knew something wasn’t right when Sophia kept vomiting. After taking her to the GP, it was recommended their firstborn go to the RCH.

Sophia was diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, a condition that blocks the small intestine. Just one in 500 babies are diagnosed with it.

The operation took place just days after Ryan was on a strike team for the recent fires around Beaufort. Ryan said he was nervous going to the hospital but knew they were in the best place they could be.

Now, Ryan wants to raise awareness of how important the work the hospital does to help babies like Sophia.

“I kind of felt like we were their priority. I know there were other kids at the hospital but at the time it didn’t feel like that because the care was absolutely awesome,” he said.

“It makes me emotional thinking about it, the care we were given. They are a sensational group of doctors and nurses there.”

He said now Sophia was back to being the baby she was before she got sick. “It’s been amazing to see how far she has come and the recovery she has made has been incredible,” he said.

“She is now back home and smiling and cuddling.”

He urges others to get behind the Good Friday Appeal to help other children.

“I am a massive community man, always have to be helping someone or something. I can’t be sitting on my hands, I just want to have an impact.”

CFA members will be out rattling tins at street intersections across the state on Good Friday.