After 29 weeks of a difficult pregnancy we were advised by my consultant that they had discovered a dark area on my daughter Graces brain. The doctors were unable to tell us what it meant as ultrasounds on unborn babies brains are not clear. Thankfully we were entered into a research study at Sheffield Hallam University where I was given an MRI Scan Please click on link for more info: http://www.sparks.org.uk/research/projects/detecting-brain-spinal-cord-abnormalities-unborn-babies/

The MRI indicated that she may have an arachnoid cyst on her brain, which was later confirmed. Having the MRI enabled my husband and myself to come to terms with the situation and prepare ourselves before our daughter was born and enabled her consultants to work out what treatment (if any) she would need. The research study was funded by Sparks and this is my way of thanking them.

Thankfully Grace is doing really well and is not showing any signs of problems so far but the doctors are unable to tell us how this will effect her in the future, we just need to wait and see what happens.

Sparks fund research into various health conditions that effect babies, children and pregnant women including brain related issues. I  hope that one day scientists and doctors will be able to give us the answers we need regarding Grace's condition.

Over the next few months, with the help of family and friends I hope to undertake numerous fundraising activities of which I will keep you all updated.