My niece Harper was born on 17th March 2016. Unknown to my sister Verity and my brother in law Ashley, Harper was born with a rare birth defect called spina bifida. The region in which Harper’s spina bifida was meant that sadly Harper would suffer with server bowel and bladder issues. Since birth Harper has had spina surgery where the lump on her spine was removed and the nerves careful untethered. In May 2019 Harper was fitted with a vesicostomy button in her stomach, this allowed Verity and Ashley to drain Harper’s bladder however, in August last year Harper was very poorly and admitted to hospital, her bowel was so full and there was fear it would perforate, Harper endured days of medication, unfortunately it did not have the affect the doctors hoped for and it also caused Harper to lose all sensation to be able to urinate. Harper has been on 24/7 drainage since August 2019, Harper is awaiting botox for her bladder & a number of specialist test. As a family we then hope that Harper can have a long term plan that can allow her to lead as much of a ‘normal’ life as possible. Even with the challenges Harper faces on a daily bases she never moans, she takes it all in her stride and makes us all so proud. I have choose to support BBUK (Bladder & Bowel UK) as without them Harper simply would not be able to function. They provide Verity and Ashley with all their medical supply’s from catheters to wipes to waterproof bed sheets. They are an incredible charity who support not only children but adults who suffered with bowel and bladder issues. We are all grateful for there support.