Georgia and her friends in Year 1 at Hayes Primary School are taking part in “Hats on for Hydrocephalus” on the 14th March 2025 to raise money for Shine, one of many charities who have made Georgia’s journey easier.

Georgia’s Story:

This is the story of our brave daughter Georgia who lives with Hydrocephalus and inspires us everyday.

When I was 28 weeks pregnant, my waters broke out of the blue. Our precious little daughter fought a crucial battle for an extra five weeks but was born early with unexpected medical complications.

In July 2019, Georgia was born prematurely at 33 weeks weighing 4lb 4oz, she was immediately transferred from our local hospital in Orpington to The Royal London Hospital in London. She needed an urgent operation as she was born with a condition called Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula (TOF) and Oesophageal Atresia (OA) meaning she was born unable to swallow.

When Georgia was 3 weeks old, we were dealt the devastating news that she had had a bleed on her brain that had caused Hydrocephalus. The doctors started to liaise with the neurologists at Great Ormond Street Hosiptal and under their guidance performed 2 lumbar punctures to try and release the fluid on her brain. Unfortunately a few days later we were informed that these procedures had not been successful in reducing the fluid, so Georgia would need to be moved to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Georgia was transferred with a specialist team in an ambulance . When we arrived we were told she needed another lifesaving operation, this time to have a shunt fitted to reduce the fluid on her brain. The shunt would be permanent and it would stay in for the rest of her life.

Fast forward five and a half years, Georgia is thriving in mainstream school. She loves life and had the most wonderful friends and family. She manages her medical conditions under the care of 4 amazing hospital and her bravery is an inspiration to us every day.

About Shine:

Shine provides specialist support in from before birth and throughout the life of anyone living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, as well as to parents, families, carers and professional care staff. Shine enables people to get the best out of life.

"Hats On for Hydrocephalus" is an event that takes place during Hydrocephalus Awareness Week to raise awareness and funds for people affected by hydrocephalus.

Take a picture

Share the picture on social media using #HatsOnForHydrocephalus and tagging @ShineCharity

Why participate

Raising awareness and funds helps improve the lives of people affected by hydrocephalus.

What is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a chronic neurological condition that occurs when there's a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It can cause brain damage if left untreated.