Toby was born on 16th August 2016.  At just 8 weeks old in early October he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). 

Despite everything, he was eternally charming, happy and brave. Against all the odds and even with the illness, he smiled and fought. AML is complicated and rare in such a young baby.  He underwent treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital on Lion Ward.  

I have copied some of Verity's messages beneath my words taken from that window of time. These words talk of their story, their adoration, their depth of emotion and the fragile juxtaposition of sadness against happiness.

My brother and I went to school with Nathan and I spent my youth filled with magic and memories because of him and his wife. My family got to know them very well too for all sorts of reasons. 

Because we are so sad but also hopeful, we will do whatever we can over the coming months to raise money. We will post updates as we go....When Toby died we felt like were drowning in misery. Now, it is time to do something for our friends.  

If you donate, Justgiving will send your money directly to the Toby's Brighter Future Fund at Great Ormond Street to help them continue there amazing care of the incredibly brave and very ill children, and their parents that need it.

Thank you so, so much for taking an interest.

Love Louis, Jo, Richard and Sue Norris (and their own families!)

12.10.2016 Thank you everyone for all your kind words. It means so much to all of us. Nath and I are devastated that our beautiful brave boy Toby has been diagnosed with a serious form of leukaemia. He has a long and brutal road of treatment ahead of him and it starts tomorrow. Please keep praying for him and sending your positive thoughts. He is the most wonderful little thing and we are so proud of him. Toby, you can do this. X x x x 

22.10.2016 We've nearly made it to the end of our first round of chemo. Difficult weeks ahead with side effects and possible infections but Toby makes us smile every day. This is the first time he saw a balloon. Thanks again for your love and support. Go Toby x x x

17.11.2016 Little Tobes was christened today in the very beautiful chapel at Great Ormond Street Hospital. It was emotional but so special. Toby took it in his stride and as usual he was all smiles and no tears, even when the water was running down his nose. We are nervously waiting for the results of his MRI and some other bits. It's a scary time.

24.11.2016 Sometimes I look at this face and it's hard to believe he's so poorly. He's such a happy little thing. We bought Tobes a baby gym this week and he loves furiously whacking all the animals from side to side. He's holding his neck well and is even trying to roll over. Thank you so much for all your prayers, messages of love and positivity. We have dark moments when we are consumed with worry but most of the time his little room at GOSH is full of happiness and laughter. Just like him. X x x x x

4.12.2016 We took him outside. And he loved it. Little but wide eyes staring at the trees, the blue blue sky and the setting sun. Thank you so much for all your lovely messages in response to my last post. The road is long and we know we have so many challenges ahead. But we'll welcome every win with wonder. And make the most of happy days. X x x x

2.1.2017 Darling Toby. Darling friends. We received some devastating news today, the MRI confirmed that Toby's cancer isn't responding to chemo. We guessed as much when the left hand side of his face suffered a paralysis suddenly yesterday morning. The doctors don't have an immediate answer or a plan. It's unexpected and terribly rare.. My darling dad said to me today, where there is life, there is hope. And we will hold on to that hope. And believe in magic and miracles. And our beautiful amazing little boy. This is an extract from a letter I wrote to Toby a few days before this setback. Many of you have never met Toby but I hope it captures him a little: 'Another mountain little lion cub. My brave little lion heart. My little boy full of determination and character. My little boy who has just found his feet and loves pulling them up to his mouth. My little boy who loves a little knitted elephant he was given for Christmas. My little boy who thinks monkeys have the funniest faces. My little boy who, amid all the wires and cancer, is learning to roll over through pure grit and determination. My little boy who loves watching his parents dance. My little boy who lies in bed in the morning kicking his legs and taking in the room like he's never seen it before. My little boy who has the brightest spirit and the biggest heart for love, smiles and shine. Keep shining Toby. I love you. I've got you. Your battle is our battle. We'll do it together. We'll go home together. And we'll see many many Christmases together. My little Northern Star. Your Mummy xxxxxx' #deartoby

17.3.2017 We lost our sweet Toby yesterday. We were able to take him outside under the sky and he slipped away with the sun on his face. He fought so hard, was so brave and smiled through it all. We love him so fiercely. We are so proud of him. And we miss him so much. But we had the best seven months of our lives and feel so lucky that we got to be Toby's parents. Toby Alexander Luke Hambrook-Skinner 16.8.16 - 16.3.17 ❤️

20.3.2017 This wonderful hospital. They went to the ends of the earth for Toby. And did it with so much compassion and sincere love. It was our home for six months and the only home that Toby knew. We made so many friends. I will hold this hospital in my heart forever. Thank you Great Ormond Street Hospital x x x x