In July 2023, our beautiful son Harris entered the world.

After Harris was born, and following breathing difficulties and a series of seizures, Harris was diagnosed with a perinatal stroke (a particularly large infarct on the right side of his brain).

Harris spent ~2 weeks on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit / Ward 35 at the Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary. The amazing team at the RVI saved Harris’ life, and managed to stabilise his episodes of intense seizures.

Throughout this experience, the Tiny Lives Trust provided amazing support to mum and dad. This included practical things such as books to read to Harris and funding for car parking during Harris’ stay. Tiny Lives also provided specialist feeding, physio and psychology support during Harris’ stay and they are providing ongoing support to mum and dad.

There will be lifelong impact as a result of Harris’ stroke; this is currently manifesting as impaired movement and function on his left hand. Through the early treatment in perinatal stroke (eTIPS) programme and with the support of the RVI and Tiny Lives, we are working hard to try to minimise it.

In some of the most difficult early days of Harris’ life, we both committed to giving him the most fulfilled and adventurous life possible. With this in mind, it felt fitting to do something adventurous to help give something back to Tiny Lives! In June 2024, we will be completing the Lake District Ultra walk challenge (~100 km over 24 hours) to raise vital funds for the Tiny Lives Trust.

Here are some links to further information about perinatal stroke (what it is, how common it is and what the impacts can be) as well as information about the pioneering eTIPS programme:

https://www.stroke.org.uk/childhood-stroke/stroke-unborn-and-newborn-babies-perinatal-stroke

https://youtu.be/gO-FjBromNk?si=Vj8sz74KdwgpRkOy

https://research.ncl.ac.uk/neurodisability/ourstudies/etips/