Oscars Story 💙

Oscar was born slightly premature at 35+6. After his birth his mum, dad and family had little indication of the road ahead until he was transferred to Nottingham the following day. Here they received the worst news of their lives. Oscar had severe brain damage and would be severely affected with little or no quality of life. They were devastated but at the time I don’t think it really sunk in. After some heart wrenching discussions mum and dad decided it was for the best to turn Oscar’s life support off and readied themselfs to say goodbye. They were told to expect to spend no longer than 30minutes with him.

2 years on Oscar clearly had other ideas! The family have had ups and downs; some major highs and some very low lows, quad cerebral palsy, Infantile Spasms, severe reflux, global developmental delay... the list goes on but Oscar has surpassed any expectations they initially had, especially for a child who wasn’t supposed to be here.

Oscar is a happy, cheeky, gorgeous 2 year old and although he can’t sit, talk, eat or do any of the other things a neuro typical 2 year old can do, he knows who he knows, makes his views known and has a strong personality. He is happiest when around family and at Sincil Bank! Football is his love and being at Lincoln City makes him happy.

The last 2 years have been a constant battle; to access services, to get referrals to the best medical professionals, to get support, to get aids such as wheelchairs. All battles you wouldn’t expect to have and before Oscar the family were naive to the struggles of those with disabilities and their families.

As a result of Oscar his mummy started to look for support groups and others in similar situations. This is how she came across Umbrellas and liked the idea of what they were trying to do. They are lucky to have support of their families but she felt she needed to connect with other families in similar positions to themselfs, A year later and she has been well and truely roped in by becoming a trustee. She is excited about the projects they have in the pipeline and can’t wait to see the positive impact on children and young adults with disabilities and their families!