Richard and Emma Sweeney are proud parents to their first child, daughter Sophie, aged 5 years. From an early age Sophie developed epilepsy which has resulted in her having extremely complex care needs. She requires round the clock care. She cannot do routine things we all take for granted, such as feeding, walking or speaking. Nevertheless with support from friends, family and Zoe's Place, Richard and Emma ensure she lives as good a life as possible.
After much deliberation and following consultation with medical experts, Richard and Emma decided to try for a sibling for Sophie. In February 2018 baby Joseph was born. All appeared well but four weeks into his young life Joseph began having seizures. He was taken to hospital and remains at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle. Richard and Emma are at the hospital every day. They stay alternate nights, with one remaining at hospital and the other returning home to look after Sophie, who has (with brilliant timing!) been poorly of late. Both parents are off work and making daily trips to Newcastle. Travel and food costs are spiralling. A number of fund raising events are planned to try in some small way to support the family, take one small worry away and make their lives that little bit easier. Any donations would go direct to the family and be hugely appreciated.