ELLIS’ STORY

Christmas for us is so important; it’s a chance for the whole family to be together and do the normal things – have a lovely meal, open presents, watch films. 

Our little boy Ellis was born on Boxing Day at just 24 weeks old, he’ll be four this year.

We were both terrified when I went into labour four months early. Ellis was born and then immediately taken away from us. He was so small that the hospital didn’t have any clothes to fit him. They had to use a padded Tesco freezer bag to keep him warm! We didn’t get to meet him for the first time until he was 6 hours old and were told he could die any minute. We couldn’t hold him until New Year’s Eve – but it was wonderful to have him in my arms for the first time during the countdown. My special little boy is in my arms every year at that time – it’s become a tradition for us.

He was so fragile in those first few days, and he wasn’t taking nutrients. An ambulance rushed him to Manchester Children’s Hospital where he had surgery to fix two perforations in his bowel. He weighed less than two pounds then – it’s absolutely amazing what surgeons are able to do. 

Today, Ellis is a very clever, happy boy; but his health is still, and always will be, very delicate. He is blind in one eye and just a little circle of dim vision in the other. He’s able to sit up on his own now, but because of his vision he can’t stay up for long. Ellis is still fed by a tube – although he’s starting to be able to have things like yogurt (which he loves)!

Brian House are amazing, they just whisk him away and he has so much fun, drawing pictures, playing games. They’re completely supportive of us too – and they don’t mind when we ask a stupid question! They give us the chance to have a little break and just be together.

I hope you can support Brian House this Christmas – we know exactly how important their care is. Thanks for your help and we hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Emma & Matt x