15 years ago, almost to the day, I had my six-month scan and the radiotherapist walked out the room, face neutral.

Fast forward three hours. 

Two meetings, lots of waiting around & I was told that there were serious complications with my pregnancy and was offered a termination. 

My options were limited. 

• Terminate
• Close my eyes & ears & carry on and be prepared to look after a child with 24/7 care needs
• Have an amniocentesis and find out what if any genetic disorders my unborn child may have to help decide the potential level of care he may need

This experience took its toll on my partner, my dearest life long friend and fiancé and he bailed. 

I was literally left holding the baby. 

I had an amnio & I can tell you, it was the scariest experience ever. The staff at St. Michael's were incredible. 

The wait for results was torture. 

No genetic abnormalities, but term still on the table. 

Things were bleak. 

I carried on working, right up until eight months pregnant when I joined a client, side by side on the rowing machine and belted out 2000m, legs akimbo to accommodate the bump 

(NB this is not advised if you are 8 mo pregnant & is considered a contraindication)

At 05:00 the next morning, my waters broke. 

At this point, I knew my baby probably wouldn’t survive the birth. 

The next 45.5 hours were excruciating, mentally more than anything else. Simply not knowing what would be.

• 8 midwives shifts
• 1 C section
• 2 days later 

My baby was in NICU. He'd made it. 

• 10 fingers 
• 10 toes
• 2 eyes & ears

A loud, slightly black & blue baby. 

Breathing. 

Following on from the incredible care we received, the babies may get the medical care, but as a new Mum, I was so well looked after too. Then our journey together began.

• 2 years in and out of hospital
• 5 Consultants
• Too many appointments to count

"He has the badge that means he will have the right to life long appointments"

said our (I say our, but really she is his) renal consultant, as she prepared us for the next transition - to adult services.

Several times in the last 15 years I’ve been told to go home as there was nothing else the hospital could do for us & I should enjoy what time I had (left) with my son. 

I’m one of the lucky parents. 

My soon to be 15 year old is a beautiful young man. Yes, he has life long medical needs, but nothing you’d notice if you met him. He’s funny & bright & doing everything I was told he wouldn’t be able to do. 

I’m forever grateful to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. 

The consultants and nurses, our psychologist & anaesthetists, the radiotherapists (never my favourite appointments), the registrars & play specialists, the receptionists for when I didn't know where we were meant to be, the tea ladies & shop staff, the cleaners and the other parents... I owe my sanity to you all. 

My son is growing up in mainstream school and plays contact sport... all the things he wasn’t anticipated to do. 

That’s why I’m supporting Gympanzees to raise funds for a badly needed facility for families whose children can’t mix & play ‘normally’

I am so grateful for how things have turned out thus far. 

If you can help me complete The Three Peaks Challenge by helping raise funds for Gympanzees, I’d love your support to spur me on and I know the charity will be appreciative too.

Contact details:

Lauren Chiren, Business & Life Consultant

+44 7799 402294 - or - admin@laurenchiren.com